How can my diet affect my period?
Has your period been all over the place lately? Shorter than usual? Longer than usual? Or maybe it has just gone completely MIA!
Can your diet be the reason behind these changes to your menstrual cycle?
Well, yes!
Your menstrual cycle is regulated by a few hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone. It’s important to note here that your hormone production can be affected by your diet and lifestyle so a change in diet can absolutely impact your menstrual cycle.
But isn’t menstrual irregularity normal?
Irregular periods happen to most people at some point in their life – your body isn’t always going to operate like clockwork! However, if your cycle is consistently unpredictable or irregular, maybe it’s time to seek some medical help.
So, what is an irregular cycle?
A NORMAL cycle is measured from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. This can be anywhere between 21-35 days! Lots of variation!
However, an irregular period can be defined as:
8 or less menstrual cycles per year
A cycle that is shorter than 21 days, or longer than 35 days.
What causes irregular cycles?
DIET AND LIFESTYLE
Are you:
Stressed?
Under eating or dieting?
Changing your overall body fat/composition?
Losing weight?
Consuming large amounts of alcohol, or using drugs?
Over exercising?
Deficient in some nutrients?
PREGNANCY AND/OR BREASTFEEDING
If you are pregnant, your body will cease ovulation for the duration of the pregnancy. When breastfeeding, your hormonal balance in your body is altered, so it will take a few months to regain your period after giving birth.
MEDICAL FACTORS
Do you have:
Uncontrolled diabetes?
A medication regime?
The contraceptive pill/use other contraceptive devices?
An eating disorder?
Perimenopause?
A medical condition such as PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis or thyroid conditions?
Does it matter if my cycle is irregular?
While physically having a period isn’t essential to your health (i.e., IUD users who stop getting their periods after having the device inserted), if you are not on hormonal birth control, losing your period isn’t a great sign!
It could mean that you are not eating enough, that you are deficient in some nutrients, that your hormones are not being produced in adequate amounts, or that you have an underlying medical condition.
These are all important things to consider!!
If you are trying to conceive, a regular menstrual cycle is absolutely vital as irregular cycles can indicate that you may not be ovulating regularly. Without ovulation, you can’t fall pregnant.
So, what should you do??
See your doctor for further medical investigations into why your cycle is irregular.
Work with a dietitian who can help restore your period and improve your fertility (if this is your goal). This is especially important if you have a medical condition such as PCOS, or if any of the diet/lifestyle factors mentioned about are contributing to your irregular cycles.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kimberly Lush is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Nutritionist. Kimberly specialises in reproductive health, with a focus on hormonal health.
Kimberly helps people take control of their hormonal health, reproductive health and menstrual health. If you wish to get in touch, enquire to work with Kimberly and book in a FREE 15-minute discovery call!