There is definitely a very strong relationship between body weight and menstrual cycle. According to a research study by NIH, obesity in the adolescent period leads to polycystic ovarian syndrome. This condition results in absent menstrual periods or heavy bleeding. Gynecologists in Gurgaon thus suggest girls maintain appropriate body weight to avoid irregular menstrual cycles.
Relationship between obesity and menstrual cycle:
Being overweight can negatively affect the menstrual cycle of individuals. In individuals who are overweight, the body might produce excess levels of estrogen. This excess estrogen will not be able to control how often one gets their period. It may also not be able to stop the periods in five to seven days. Girls having a BMI of 30 or more and having irregular periods are recommended to visit a dietician by the best gynecologist in Gurgaon.
Obesity in childhood:
Obesity is the number one irregular period’s cause. Excess body weight in childhood and during the early adolescent period is linked with a number of adverse health diseases. This includes insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can also result in other diseases, such as,
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Diseases of the gallbladder
- Blount disease
- Depression
- Eating disorders, etc.
For adolescent girls, the neuro-endocrine effects of obesity will manifest as early onset of puberty. As they have excess secretion of male hormones in their body, they can also have absent or irregular periods. These girls can also have abnormal bleeding from the uterus, along with other pre-menstrual disorders. Thus, obese girls should consult with the best gynecologist in Gurgaon at the earliest to avoid menstrual disorders and infertility issues later in their lives.
Other causes of irregular periods:
Many research studies reveal obesity as a primary irregular period cause. There are also other irregular period causes. And those are as follows.
- Endometriosis: Apart from obesity, endometriosis is also a cause of irregular periods. Endometriosis occurs when the uterus tissues grow out of the uterus and adhere to the ovaries or the fallopian tubes. This condition can cause abnormal bleeding, severe pain, and cramps before and during the menstrual cycle.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome: In this disease condition, the ovaries will start making large volumes of androgens. This hormone prevents and also delays ovulation, thus causing irregular periods.
- Ovarian insufficiency: This is common in women who are under 40 years of age. In these women, the ovaries will not function as they should. This results in irregular and missed periods.
- Disorders of the thyroid and pituitary gland: This is also an important cause of irregular periods. Both hyper- and hypothyroidism and disorders of the pituitary gland can affect hormones and cause irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: This is a bacterial infection that affects the female reproductive system. Sexually transmitted infections cause it. The bacteria will enter the vagina and spread to the uterus and the upper genital tract. This condition should be immediately treated by the best gynecologist in Gurgaon, as it can worsen and result in other complications.
- Cancers of the reproductive organs: This is a rare condition that results in either heavy or missed menstrual periods.
FAQ:
What are the diagnostic tests that help to identify irregular periods?
Doctors will diagnose the cause of irregular periods through a pelvic ultrasound test, endometrial biopsy test, and, if needed, hysteroscopy.
Bottom Line:
The best gynecologist in Gurgaon advises women to make some lifestyle changes to have a regular menstrual cycle. Stress can cause weight gain and abnormalities in the menstrual cycle. Adolescent girls should also eat a well-balanced diet and maintain their weight under control. All these factors together will help in having a healthy menstrual cycle.