Health Consequences of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
In the previous post, we talked all about the 5 Common Reasons You Are Missing A Period. If you haven’t read that article, go check it out. We know what some of the potential causes for a missing period and now we are focusing on the health consequences associated with long-term amenorrhea.
For those who are new here, amenorrhea is defined as the “abnormal absence of menstruation”. Women in their reproductive years need a menstrual cycle for healthy fertility, libido, digestion, energy levels, heart health, cognitive function, and so much more! When the period goes missing, it may seem as though it’s not something to worry about. However, a missing menstrual cycle has long-term health consequences if not taken seriously.
Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
Estrogen and progesterone play an important role in skeletal health. Estrogen helps decrease the rate of bone breakdown while progesterone stimulates bone-building cells known as “osteoblasts”. Bone health is one of the first to be greatly effected from a missing period. With every missing cycle, the bones take a direct hit. Estrogen also has other effects on the bones such as enhanced intestinal calcium absorption. Estrogen protects the bone from the resorptive effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH pulls calcium from the bones when levels in the blood are low to maintain balance in the body.
Low bone density is a serious matter to take into consideration. If ignored, serious injury could result from doing intense workouts or day to day activities. Spinal cord and hip injuries are of most concern when bone density begins to decrease.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death for women in the United States. These rates tend to increase once women hit menopause later in life. Alongside other lifestyle factors such as age, healthy history and current comorbidities, a decrease in estrogen in the body can cause blood vessels to become less flexible. Estrogen affects almost every organ and tissue in the body. Early menopause (menopause ≤45 years old, is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and a two and a half fold increased risk of CVD compared to age-matched premenopausal women. Further research is needed to understand how low hormone levels effect those at a younger age, however, those effects may show up later in life.
Infertility
You might be thinking you don’t want kids now or in the near future, but wouldn’t it be nice to have the option?! A woman’s body was biologically built for nursing a child. Women have natural maternal instincts that are even more noticeable when we have a healthy menstrual cycle. Even if you do not plan on ever having kids, it is important to have periods as this will greatly impact your mood and mental health. I get it, it’s inconvenient having a monthly cycle to worry about… but the effects it has on the body do more good for you than having no hormones at all.
Psychological Health
Studies have shown an increase in depression, anxiety, and higher stress levels in women with HA. Women with HA also express higher rates of perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive disorder traits and a greater concern for their weight and physical appearance. The effects on psychological health are greatly related to estrogen deficiency. Estrogen deficiency impacts production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, also known as the neurotransmitters that regulate mood. Furthermore, young women who struggle with HA are often those who fail to seek professional help due to fear of change.
These are just a few of the major health concerns associated with a long-term missing cycle. Talk to your doctor or gynecologist first if your period has gone missing to rule out PCOS or other health conditions.
If you are struggling with a missing period, this is your sign to take it more seriously! If you want to learn more about what steps to take to get your period back the natural way, apply for 1-1 coaching and we will create a plan personalized to fit your needs. You will receive weekly support, accountability and guidance every step of the way. Let me help you get your period back while healing your relationship with food and your body.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17389902/
https://doi.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fa0026708
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6374026/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20206928/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17227959/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs40618-014-0169-3
