Periods are Important!
March 28, 2023
Author: Lily Lev
Editor: Lexie Meltzer
We live in a society where people are praised for overtraining, undereating, and losing their periods. Amenorrhea, or period loss, is a major health concern, especially for adolescents. Having a consistent period is a strong indicator of healthy hormones for females in their teens until menopause. Stress, undereating, and excessive exercise are the largest causes of amenorrhea.
The menstrual cycle is extremely important in regulating female hormones. As explained in Cycle Syncing 101, there are four phases in the menstrual cycle: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. In total, an entire cycle will last around 28 days, but this varies for every individual. A female’s period is an indication that their body is able to reproduce, meaning it is physically healthy and hormonally balanced. Estrogen and testosterone are hormones that are important in regulating almost all processes in the body from metabolism to emotions. Levels of these hormones are correlated with different phases in the menstrual cycle, so amenorrhea often leads to hormone imbalances which can alter mood, impede growth, lead to fatigue, and more. Period loss is associated with several health risks including decreased bone mineral density, cardiac irregularities, reproductive concerns, and a compromised immune system. Therefore, understanding the signs and symptoms of an abnormal cycle, as well as the steps that can be taken to recovery, are vital to the maintenance and restoration of not only menstrual health but general physical and mental health.
Signs of an abnormal cycle:
Irregular period or loss of period all together
Menstrual/bleeding phase lasting under two days or more than seven days
Extreme pain before and during menstruation
Very heavy, consistent blood flow
Ways to recover from amenorrhea:
Focus on gentle movement (yoga, walks, stretching) rather than high-intensity workouts
Monitor stress levels. Try implementing meditation of breathing practices to control cortisol levels in the body.
Get enough sleep
Eat enough nutrients and eat consistently throughout the day (no skipping meals!)
Get lab work done to ensure you have no vitamin deficiencies
Citations
Dietitian, S. J. R. (2022, December 19). How to get your period back after restriction. Peace & Nutrition™. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://peaceandnutrition.com/how-to-get-your-period-back-after-restriction/#Physical_Risks_Of_Losing_Your_Period
PERLA Health. (2021, February 3). Why are periods important? PERLA Health. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://perlahealth.com/why-are-periods-important/
Image: Ryan Hammel
