OpenHealth Q&A

Your concerns about recent menstrual irregularities are completely understandable, especially given your history and the significant life events you've experienced. The key aspects to consider here are the possible influences of stress, weight, and hormone levels on your menstrual cycles.

Summary Points:

1. Menstrual irregularities can be influenced by stress, weight changes, and hormonal factors.
2. Your weight can affect hormonal balance, potentially leading to irregular cycles.
3. Stress from recent experiences may also be impacting your periods.

Explanation:

Menstrual cycles can vary significantly due to multiple factors, including emotional stress, physical health, and changes in weight. Since you’ve been under stress from your teaching job and personal experiences, this may have contributed to the changes in your cycle. Additionally, being slightly above your optimal weight can also lead to hormonal fluctuations, which can disrupt regular menstruation.

You mentioned that you've tracked your basal body temperature, which is a great step for understanding your cycle patterns. Although your blood tests were normal, keep in mind that conditions like PCOS can sometimes be tricky to diagnose without specific symptoms like high androgen levels or ultrasound findings showing ovarian cysts.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Emotional and Physical Stressors:

   • Reflect on any ongoing stress and consider ways to manage it, such as stress-reduction techniques (e.g., mindfulness, yoga, or talking to a counselor).

2. Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Changes:

   • Focus on gradual weight loss through a balanced diet and regular exercise, as even small changes can positively affect menstrual regularity.

3. Continue to Track Your Cycle:

   • Keep using your temperature tracking as it will help you identify any patterns or changes in your cycles. You may also want to track any symptoms like mood changes, fatigue, or physical discomfort.

4. Consider Nutritional Support:

   • While not medically essential, ensuring that your diet includes essential nutrients can be beneficial. Consider adding foods rich in vitamins and minerals that support hormonal balance, like leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats.

5. Follow Up on Ongoing Symptoms:

   • If irregular periods persist or worsen, or if you experience other concerning symptoms (like severe pain, heavy bleeding, etc.), it would be wise to speak with a healthcare professional to explore further options, including hormonal evaluations.

6. Share Your Findings:

   • When you are ready to seek further advice, providing your tracking data and any notes on your overall health during this period as context will be very helpful.

By taking action on these fronts, you can make meaningful progress toward understanding and potentially regulating your menstrual cycles. Remember, you have the agency to ensure that your health remains a priority.