The Weight-Period Connection: How Your Weight Affects Your Menstrual Cycle

When you gain weight, your body produces more estrogen. This can lead to a number of changes in your menstrual cycle, including:

• Heavier periods
• Longer periods
• Irregular periods
• Missed periods
• Painful periods

When you lose weight, your body produces less estrogen. This can also lead to changes in your menstrual cycle, including:

• Lighter periods
• Shorter periods
• Irregular periods
• Missed periods

Steps you can take to regulate your period

If your weight is impacting your menstrual cycle, there are a number of steps you can take to regulate it:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Aim to lose or gain weight gradually and safely.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats.
• Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Manage stress. Stress can also disrupt your menstrual cycle. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

If you are experiencing significant changes in your menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and help you develop a plan to regulate your cycle.

Some added tips to help regulate your period:

• Keep track of your cycle. This can help you identify any patterns or changes.
• Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These can also disrupt your menstrual cycle.
• See a doctor regularly. This is especially important if you are experiencing significant changes in your menstrual cycle or if you are trying to conceive.

Remember, it is normal for your menstrual cycle to vary from month to month. However, if you are experiencing significant changes, talk to your doctor.