Irregular menstruation has a high incidence rate, affecting many women. Obese women are particularly susceptible to this condition, facing a range of related health concerns and risks. It is important for women to understand why irregular menstruation occurs more frequently in obese individuals and to take appropriate preventive measures to safeguard their health.
The reasons obese women are more prone to menstrual irregularities are as follows:
There are multiple reasons obese women are susceptible to menstrual irregularities. From a gynecological perspective, conditions such as hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic-pituitary amenorrhea, and other causes of anovulation should be considered and investigated.These conditions may present with various other clinical symptoms and signs, but most share a common feature: irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and obesity often occur concurrently or sequentially. Obesity is largely linked to lifestyle habits. These women often have a preference for sweets and greasy foods, tend to overeat intentionally or unintentionally, lack physical activity, and exhibit a significant family predisposition.Over time, this accumulation of excess calories leads to widespread fat distribution, weight gain, and metabolic disorders caused by obesity. Beyond abnormalities in fat and sugar metabolism, obese women often experience hormonal imbalances that disrupt menstrual cycles. The growing number of overweight women with unexplained menstrual irregularities demands our attention and consideration.
Another cause of menstrual irregularities is weight loss, primarily achieved through dietary adjustments and increased physical activity. After weight reduction, metabolism often normalizes, and menstrual irregularities may improve. Additionally, pharmacological treatment is an option. Currently, two main therapeutic approaches exist.