An Absence of Menstrual Cycles
I’m a 29-year-old female who has not experienced a menstrual cycle for the past three months. There’s absolutely no possibility that I am pregnant—I’m still a virgin and have not been exposed to any semen in any form. My gynecologist is not available for a couple of months, so I am reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions I could consider in the meantime. Here are some pertinent health details: - There’s a family history of conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis. - I engage in long-distance running and training. - I have successfully lost 99 pounds over the last three years, bringing my current Body Mass Index (BMI) to 20.3 and my body fat percentage to 20.4%. - While I was in a calorie deficit during my weight loss journey, I did not experience any menstrual issues until a few months after I raised my caloric intake. - My daily regimen includes a multivitamin, iron, a B-vitamin supplement, and Airborne. - All my recent blood tests were normal, as I had a yearly physical two days before my last period. I realize my doctor will conduct any necessary tests when I can see her. I’m just hoping to gather some information to consider before that appointment. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 4:40:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to address the absence of your menstrual cycles, especially given your exercise routine and recent weight loss. Missing periods, clinically known as amenorrhea, can be caused by various factors, and while some may be benign, others may require management.
Key Points:
- Potential Causes: Your history of significant weight loss, extensive exercise (especially long-distance running), and family history of conditions like PCOS and endometriosis may all contribute to your amenorrhea. It’s essential to consider each of these factors.
- Symptoms to Monitor: It’s important to pay attention to any additional signs such as changes in energy levels, mood, body hair, or any abdominal pain, which could indicate underlying hormonal imbalances.
Next Steps:
- Focus on Nutrition and Recovery: Ensure you're consuming enough calories to support your level of physical activity. Consider adjusting your caloric intake if you are training intensively. A well-balanced diet supports hormonal health.
- Evaluate Training Load: If possible, try to moderate your long-distance training intensity or frequency. Excessive endurance training can sometimes lead to hormonal disruptions. Incorporating rest and cross-training may help.
- Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your cycles and any other symptoms you notice over the next few weeks (such as weight changes, energy levels, or stress). This will provide helpful information for your doctor when you can see her.
- Stress Management: If you are experiencing stress, consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or simple breathing exercises.
While you wait for your appointment, these steps can help manage your health proactively. If you experience severe symptoms like significant weight loss, fatigue, or other concerning changes, it would be wise to seek an earlier consultation, even if it’s with another provider. Your health is important, and these changes are worth investigating further. Please let me know if you have more questions!
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