Does Gaining Weight Cause Irregular Periods?

Does Gaining Weight Cause Irregular Periods?

Your weight and your menstrual cycle are very closely related to one another. Periods can become irregular when you gain weight and it is also possible for irregular periods to cause a sudden increase in weight. So, it is important for women to understand how irregular periods are related to weight gain.

The Signs Of Irregular Periods

Before you look at the relationship between irregular periods and weight gain, it is necessary to understand the symptoms of irregular periods. The most common symptoms of irregular periods are:

  • Skipped menstrual cycles.
  • Heavy blood flow when you have your periods.
  • Periods that last for more than seven or eight days.
  • Bleeding or spotting when you are not on your menstrual cycle.

You may experience these symptoms before you gain weight or it is also possible that sudden weight gain can lead to these symptoms. So, you need to know how irregular periods are related to weight gain.

How Is Weight Gain Related To Irregular Periods?

There are several reasons why weight gain can lead to irregular periods and vice versa. Some of the most common reasons why irregular periods and weight gain are related are as follows:

#1. Insulin Imbalance

When you put on weight, the functioning of your endocrine system is affected. The first thing that occurs when you gain weight is insulin resistance. When your bloodstream has an excessive amount of insulin, your hormonal production is also affected. This usually has a negative influence on the menstrual cycle of women and can lead to an irregular menstrual cycle.

Also read: Period Pain – Causes and 5 effective ways to relieve it

#2. Endocrine Diseases

If you are looking for the primary reason of how irregular periods are related to weight gain, it is possible that you have an underlying endocrine disease. This includes conditions such as Amenorrhea and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome that can lead to irregular menses, which can also lead to weight gain. In case of PCOS, your body tends to produce excessive levels of androgen and the chances of women with this condition gaining weight is very high. They also tend to skip their periods showing a clear relationship between irregular periods and weight gain.

#3. Excessive Estrogen Production

The female sex hormones are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are produced when your pituitary glands and the hypothalamus send out certain signals. The role of estrogen is to build the endometrium which is the protective inner layer of your uterus that also nourishes the egg. If the egg is not fertilized, this lining is shed during your periods. In case of women who are overweight, certain cholesterol compounds that are found in the fat cells get converted into estrone, which is a weak form of estrogen. So, when the fat cells are higher in number the production of estrone increases and affects your glands just like estrogen. This can lead to issues like excessive bleeding or can even stop ovulation for several months, leading to an irregularity in your period.

Also read: 7 Home Remedies To Treat Irregular Periods

#4. Temporary Weight Gain

Women who are in the premenstrual stage, often experience a lot of stress, called Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS. This can lead to a lot of binge eating or food cravings that can cause the weighing scale to tip during the menstrual cycle. This, albeit temporary, requires immediate care and attention to ensure that it does not lead to permanent weight gain. This is also one of the ways how irregular periods are related to weight gain.

What Should You Do?

Now that you know how irregular periods and weight gain are related, the next step is to understand what you can do about it. Here are some tips to help manage weight gain due to irregular periods and vice versa:

#1. Hormonal Medication

If you see any relationship between your irregular periods and weight gain, make sure that you see your doctor immediately. If it is caused by some hormonal imbalance, you will be able to get hormonal medication which can play an important role in weight management.

Also read: What to Expect from your Periods after Pregnancy

#2. Choose A Healthy Diet

When you incorporate certain nutrients in your diet, it is possible for you to restore your menstrual cycle. For instance, women who are diagnosed with PCOS are often advised to consume vitamin B3, B5 and B6 supplements. If you are overweight, you need to ensure that your diet plan is directed towards helping you lose weight. In many cases it has been found that just a loss of 5-10 kilos has helped women bring their menstrual cycle back to normal.

#3. A Healthy Exercise Regime

Staying fit and active is always advised for women who live with irregular periods. A healthy lifestyle can help restore hormonal balance and is also extremely essential to help you lose weight faster. This can help make your periods become regular and prevent any additional health risks such as diabetes, heart issues or even complications related to reproduction.

#4. Drink Lots Of Water

Water consumption not only helps your body absorb and transport nutrients better but can also help you gain better hormonal health.

Also read: 5 Menstrual Hygiene Rules Every Woman Must Follow

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