Missing your period can be cause for alarm, but it's not likely to be caused by consuming curcumin -- the active ingredient in turmeric. This spice is commonly used in making curries, biryanis and other Indian dishes. Given that billions of people consume this spice, it's unlikely to be linked to amenorrhea, or absence of menses.
Treatment of Amenorrhea
Instead of eliminating monthly periods, turmeric was traditionally touted as a treatment for amenorrhea. Vendors of ayurvedic remedies include turmeric as one of a long list of other ingredients in herbal preparations for treating female complaints, such as premenstrual syndrome, menopause and amenorrhea. As of 2011, there are no evidence-based, peer-reviewed studies on turmeric, either as a cause of or treatment for amenorrhea.
Curcumin Uses
While curcumin may not have applications in gynecology, it may have other medical applications, including the treatment of arthritis, cancer, stomach disorders and atherosclerosis. While many initial studies look promising, turmeric is not water-soluble, which means that the body is not able to use it effectively. Developing new means of administration, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, is central to optimizing the use of this drug.
Causes of Amenorrhea
In addition to natural reasons for missing your period, such as pregnancy and menopause, other factors can be at play. Anorectics often stop menstruating, as do female athletes who train intensely. The Mayo Clinic notes that ballerinas, long-distance runners and gymnasts often have irregular menstrual cycles. The physical stress, lack of body fat and stress from such training interrupts the athletes' normal cycles. Many drugs -- including birth control pills, antipsychotics, antidepressants, chemotherapeutic drugs and blood pressure medications -- can temporarily affect menstruation as well.
Warning
If your month period unexpectedly stops and you cannot identify an obvious reason, do contact your doctor. Amenorrhea can be caused by serious medical conditions, including pituitary tumors, thyroid malfunction and polycystic ovaries, as well as scarring from a treatment for fibroids or a cesarean section.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Amenorrhea; May 2011
- "Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry"; Role of Curcumin in Health and Disease; L. Pari, et al.; April 2008
- "Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology"; Curcumin Loaded Fibrinogen Nanoparticles for Cancer Drug Delivery; N.S. Rejinold; August 2011
- "Colloids and Surfaces B. Biointerfaces"; Interaction of Curcumin with Lipid Monolayers and Liposomal Bilayers; A. Karewicz, et al.; November 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
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