Irregular Periods After Weight Loss: Nutritional Insights

Q: Irregular Periods After Weight Loss: Nutritional Insights

Hello Jassica： Based on your height, your ideal weight range is between 51 to 63 kilograms. <br>Currently, you are indeed underweight, while your weight during your weight loss phase (15 + 43.5 = 58.5 kilograms) was within the ideal range. <br>In fact, improper weight loss method

Menstruation has not occurred for a year!

Hello, I am 161 cm tall and weigh 43.5 kg.
I have been losing weight for over a year now.
However, since I started losing weight, my menstrual cycle has become very irregular; I previously went six months without a period.
After taking medication for three weeks, my period returned, but it has been almost a year since then without another one.
I have consulted many Western and Chinese medicine practitioners, taken nearly two months of Chinese herbal medicine, and received two injections of menstrual induction medication from an obstetrician-gynecologist at the end of February this year.
Although I felt a noticeable contraction in my ovaries, my period still did not come.
Just last week, I visited Chimei Hospital again and took menstrual induction medication.
The doctor said my period would come in 3 to 4 days, but I only experienced an increase in discharge, and now it has been six days without a period.
Last year, I also went to Chimei for the same issue and took menstrual induction medication (hormonal regulators) three times at weekly intervals before my period returned, but it stopped again after I finished the medication.
Blood tests and ultrasound examinations were normal, but my endometrium was thinner than usual.
I am very anxious, my temper has worsened, and I often suffer from insomnia.
What should I do? Who should I seek help from? After losing weight, I have been eating a normal diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fish, but I do not like red meat.
Could my nutrition still be insufficient? My weight has only increased from 42 kg to around 44 kg over the past year.
Is this related to nutrition and weight loss? How should I eat to encourage my "good friend" to return? Is it related to fat and body fat percentage? I eat very little oil, and my body fat percentage was measured at 13.
Thank you for your response.

P.S.
1.
I lost 15 kg over a year and a half through exercise and dieting, and that is when my menstrual irregularities began.
Currently, I am 161 cm tall and weigh 43.5 kg.
2.
I have not engaged in sexual intercourse and am not pregnant.

Kunrao de ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/04/01

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition

Hello Jassica: Based on your height, your ideal weight range is between 51 to 63 kilograms.
Currently, you are indeed underweight, while your weight during your weight loss phase (15 + 43.5 = 58.5 kilograms) was within the ideal range.
In fact, improper weight loss methods can pose health risks.
Weight loss should involve a balanced diet with low calories, and caloric intake should never fall below 1000 kcal.
The extent to which one should lose weight to appear attractive varies according to individual aesthetic perspectives.
However, both the medical and nutritional communities have ample clinical experience and research reports supporting that being either overweight or underweight is detrimental to health.
Therefore, the Department of Health has established methods for assessing ideal body weight as a basis for evaluating body composition (Body Mass Index, BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m²), with a BMI of 22 considered ideal, and ±10% being the acceptable range).

Currently, I recommend that you aim for moderate weight gain, which will benefit your health.
Initially, you can set a goal to increase your weight by 3 to 5 kilograms, starting with your current caloric intake and gradually increasing it.
Aiming for a weekly weight gain of 0.5 to 1 kilogram is advisable, along with moderate exercise to promote muscle tissue growth and avoid solely increasing fat tissue.
Once this goal is achieved, adjustments can be made based on your condition.

In terms of diet, I provide the daily dietary guidelines from the Department of Health for your reference:
- Dairy: 1 to 2 cups (240 cc per cup)
- Grains and root vegetables: 3 to 6 bowls (1 bowl of rice = 200 grams, 1 medium steamed bun, or 4 slices of toast)
- Protein (eggs, beans, fish, meat): 4 servings (1 serving = 1 ounce of meat, poultry, or fish, or 1 block of tofu, or 1 cup of soy milk, or 1 egg)
- Fats: 2 to 3 tablespoons
- Fruits: 2 servings (1 serving = 1 orange or 2 wax apples)
- Vegetables: At least 3 plates (1 plate = approximately 100 grams of vegetables).
Wishing you health and beauty!

Reply Date: 2002/04/01

More Info

It sounds like you have been through a challenging journey with weight loss and its subsequent effects on your menstrual cycle. Irregular periods after significant weight loss can be a common issue, particularly when the weight loss is rapid or involves extreme dietary restrictions. Let's delve into the potential reasons behind your irregular periods and how nutritional factors may play a role.

Understanding the Connection Between Weight Loss and Menstrual Irregularities
1. Body Fat and Hormonal Balance: Body fat plays a crucial role in hormone production, particularly estrogen. When you lose a significant amount of weight, especially if your body fat percentage drops too low (as it seems to have in your case), it can lead to hormonal imbalances. A body fat percentage of around 13% is considered quite low for women and may contribute to menstrual irregularities. Estrogen levels can drop, leading to a thinner uterine lining and, consequently, irregular or absent periods.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Even if you are consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, if your overall caloric intake is too low, you may not be getting enough essential nutrients. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in fats, proteins, and certain vitamins and minerals (like vitamin D, calcium, and iron), can affect your menstrual cycle. Healthy fats are particularly important for hormone production, so a very low-fat diet could be detrimental.

3. Stress and Lifestyle Factors: The stress of dieting, coupled with the physical stress of exercise, can also impact your menstrual cycle. Stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for regular menstruation. Additionally, sleep disturbances, which you mentioned experiencing, can further exacerbate hormonal imbalances.

Recommendations for Regaining Menstrual Regularity
1. Gradual Weight Restoration: If your weight has been consistently low, consider gradually increasing your caloric intake. Aim for a balanced diet that includes healthy fats (like avocados, nuts, and olive oil), lean proteins (such as fish and poultry), and whole grains. This can help restore your body fat percentage to a healthier level, which may, in turn, help regulate your menstrual cycle.

2. Consult a Nutritionist: Working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist can provide personalized guidance on how to adjust your diet to meet your nutritional needs while also considering your weight and health goals. They can help you create a meal plan that ensures you are getting enough calories and nutrients.

3. Monitor Your Stress Levels: Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise. These practices can help lower cortisol levels and promote a healthier hormonal balance.

4. Regular Check-ups: Continue to work with healthcare professionals, including gynecologists and endocrinologists, to monitor your hormonal health. If you suspect that hormonal treatments are necessary, discuss this with your doctor. They may recommend further testing to assess your hormonal levels and overall reproductive health.

5. Consider a Balanced Approach to Exercise: While exercise is important for overall health, excessive exercise can also lead to hormonal imbalances. Ensure that your exercise routine is balanced and includes rest days to allow your body to recover.

Conclusion
Your concern about your menstrual irregularities is valid, and it’s essential to approach this issue holistically. By focusing on a balanced diet, managing stress, and seeking professional guidance, you can work towards restoring your menstrual cycle and overall health. Remember, it’s not just about the number on the scale; it’s about achieving a healthy balance that supports your body’s needs.

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