Most women begin to have menstrual cycles around the age of 13, although some may start later. Generally you get your period every 28 days, although some fluctuation is normal. Missed or irregular periods can be triggered by a variety of things, including hormonal problems, excessive exercise and rapid weight changes.
Definition
Your period is a monthly occurrence and part of your menstrual cycle. Women have egg-containing ovaries, and one egg typically ripens and gets released every 28 days in a process known as ovulation. You get pregnant if the egg is fertilized. Otherwise, your body sheds it, along with your uterine lining, and prepares to repeat the process. This shedding of bloody material is known as your period.
Weight Loss Effects
Rapid weight loss takes a toll on your body, and one of its possible effects is causing you to have a late period or stop menstruating. Your hormones are affected when you are underweight, which causes the interruption in your periods. Your body cannot handle a pregnancy if it is not properly nourished, and you cannot get pregnant if your periods temporarily stop.
Causes
Rapid weight loss is sometimes intentional. For example, you might go on a drastic diet, like a medically supervised liquid weight loss program. You may lose many pounds quickly due to circumstances beyond your control, like a mouth injury or dental problems that make eating difficult. Losing weight quickly enough to cause irregular periods might be a sign of a medical problem if there is no obvious explanation. For example, you might have a digestive condition, hyperthyroidism or cancer. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia can also be the culprits.
Contributing Factors
Vigorous, frequent exercise can cause irregular periods by itself because of the loss of body fat, physical and mental stress and energy expenditure, according to MayoClinic.com. The problem is compounded if the workouts are part of an overall diet plan that causes you to drop weight quickly. Ease off on your workout routine if it seems to be affecting your menstruation.
Considerations
Rapid weight loss might cause irregular periods, but obesity can affect your menstrual cycle, too, and even reduce your fertility. Obesity contributes to irregular periods and also increases the number of cycles in which you do not ovulate, according to the Huntington Reproductive Center Medical Group. Being overweight also increases your chance of developing polycystic ovary syndrome.
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