Survey study, 2022
How does obesity affect the menstrual cycle in adolescents?
Adolescents with obesity are more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and premenstrual disorders including PMS and PMDD. The hormonal changes in obesity help explain these connections.
What they did
This review article summarizes research on how obesity relates to menstrual cycle changes in adolescents, discussing the hormones involved and how they affect the ovaries and hormonal system.
What they found
Obesity is associated with earlier puberty and first menstruation, greater menstrual cycle irregularity, PCOS, infrequent or absent periods, and heavy menstrual bleeding. It is also associated with higher rates of PMS and PMDD. The pattern of hormone changes in obesity resembles the pattern in PCOS, with higher testosterone and insulin levels.
What it means for you
Obesity affects the menstrual cycle through multiple hormonal pathways. Managing weight and obesity may help prevent menstrual problems and their long-term complications such as infertility and pregnancy complications. However, this is a review of existing studies, not new research findings.
3
hormones implicated (leptin, kisspeptin, insulin)
since 1970s
obesity prevalence has been increasing
multiple
menstrual conditions associated with obesity
About the study
- Original title
- The effects of obesity on the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Itriyeva K
- Journal
- Current problems in pediatric and adolescent health care
- Year
- 2022
- Study design
- Survey study
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2022.101241
Topics
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