Contents
The Surprising Causes of Missed Periods
Published: Sep 18, 2024
Understanding the hidden causes of missed periods can help you address underlying health issues and restore your menstrual cycle.
Stress and Your Cycle
Stress is a major factor that can disrupt your menstrual cycle. It affects the brain's ability to signal your ovaries, causing missed periods. This condition, known as FHA, often occurs when stress is combined with low energy from dieting or excessive exercise.
Energy Balance
Your body needs a balance of calories for healthy hormone production. When you eat too little or burn too many calories through exercise, your body may stop menstruating to conserve energy. This energy deficit is a common cause of FHA.
Weight and Amenorrhea
Significant weight loss or being underweight can lead to FHA. Your body may interpret low body weight as a sign of starvation, halting menstruation to protect itself. Monitoring weight and maintaining a healthy BMI can prevent this from happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stress can disrupt hormonal signals, leading to missed periods.
Too little energy from food or too much exercise can stop periods.
Yes, especially if it results in low body weight.
Yes, by managing stress and ensuring proper nutrition.
The Bottom Line
Addressing stress and energy balance is key to preventing functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.
References
- Gordon CM, Ackerman KE, Berga SL, et al. Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:1413.
- Hagmar M, Berglund B, Brismar K, Hirschberg AL. Hyperandrogenism may explain reproductive dysfunction in olympic athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2009; 41:1241.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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