The body mass index is a calculation that uses your height and weight to categorize your weight. Your BMI can be a useful guideline of how your height and weight relate to each other, however, it is not the only indicator if you are at a healthy weight for your height. For women, the presence or absence of their monthly period can be an indicator of a healthy weight.
Body Mass Index
Your BMI is calculated from your height and weight. BMI does not take into account your gender or how much lean body mass or body fat you have, but it can give you a rough estimate of an ideal weight for someone your height. To calculate your BMI, divide your weight in pounds by the square of your height in inches and multiply the result by 703. A BMI of 18.5 or below is underweight. A normal weight BMI is between 18.5 and and 24.9. If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, you are in the overweight category. A BMI greater than 30 is considered obese.
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is the absence of your menses. If you have never had a period, that is primary amenorrhea. If you have had normal periods before and your periods stop for six months or longer, you have secondary amenorrhea. Amenorrhea can be normal with pregnancy, breast-feeding or certain types of birth control. However, your weight can affect your period as well. If you are obese, your periods may become irregular. If you are underweight and your body fat percentage drops to less than 17 percent, your periods may stop.
Body Fat
If your BMI is considered underweight and your period has stopped, you may not have enough body fat to support menstruation. If you are a distance runner or swimmer, you may become amenorrheic as well. One of the risks of amenorrhea due to being underweight or exercising excessively is that your body may not actively work on strengthening your bones during this time.
Cautions
See your women's health care provider if you miss more than two periods. Your health care provider will check for pregnancy and may draw labs to check hormone levels. If you are underweight due to an eating disorder, you should seek counseling. Your doctor may prescribe estrogen to protect your bones and allow you to have your menses periodically.
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