Amenorrhea and bone health: The hidden dangers of missed periods

Most women are aware of the common causes of amenorrhea, like pregnancy, lactation (breastfeeding), menopause and hormonal imbalance, but it turns out that there are also other less-known factors you should be aware of.

For most women, getting your period is an experience that’s as natural and normal as it gets. However, missing your period or having periods at a far lesser frequency than the monthly cycle may be a cause for concern.

The goal is not to cover all the nuances of amenorrhea but rather to shed more light on how a medical condition that's often dismissed as a "woman thing" can have serious consequences on bone health.

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What is amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is a condition in which a woman does not have periods. It can be caused by many things, including stress, weight loss, exercise and pregnancy.

If you're experiencing irregular periods that last longer than six months (or if you've never had a period), talk to your doctor right away about what's going on with your body and how it might affect your bone health.

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Why does it matter?

It's a serious health condition that adversely impacts the body. (Image via Pexels/Sora Shimazaki)

It can be a sign of a serious health issue. In fact, amenorrhea is a symptom of many conditions that need to be addressed and treated as soon as possible. Some of these conditions may include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Hypothyroidism
• Infertility

If you suspect that your period has stopped, as you have one of these underlying health issues, it's important to speak with your doctor immediately so that they can begin treating you properly.

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How do I know if I have it?

It's a condition that occurs when you miss your periods for more than three months. (Image via Pexels/Mike Murray)

If you're wondering if your missed periods are normal, remember that the condition is different from oligomenorrhea, which refers to irregular menstruation and can be caused by stress, malnutrition, excessive exercise and anorexia/weight loss.

Amenorrhea is when a woman has no period for three months. If that happens to you or someone else in your family and especially if there's any history of cancer or other serious illnesses, see a doctor right away.

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Risk factors

• Lack of exercise.
• Stress.
• Anorexia and extreme weight loss.
• Thyroid disease, which can lead to hypothyroidism and cause amenorrhea by slowing down metabolism (the rate at which the body uses energy).
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal condition that affects 5-10% of women between ages 15-44 years in the United States alone

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Amenorrhea and bone health: How is it related?

impacts your bone health. (Image via Pexels / Mart production)

The menstrual cycle plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health in women. The fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle regulate the activity of bone cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

Osteoblasts are responsible for bone formation, while osteoclasts break down old bone tissue. During the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels increase, which promotes osteoblast activity and slows down osteoclast activity, resulting in net bone formation.

When periods are missed or absent, the fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone decrease, which can lead to a decrease in bone density. Studies have shown that women with amenorrhea have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. Osteoporosis can lead to fractures and chronic pain, severely impacting quality of life.

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It's important to be aware of the symptoms

Lifestyle change is crucial. (Image via Pexels/Pixabay)

The negative effects are on bone health can be prevented or reversed by early detection and treatment.

Women who experience missed periods should speak to their healthcare provider about potential underlying causes and options for treatment. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, like weight gain, stress reduction and reduced exercise intensity, as well as, hormone therapy or medications that promote bone health.

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Amenorrhea is a condition that can have hidden dangers on bone health. Women who experience missed periods should not ignore it and should seek medical advice to prevent long-term bone damage.

Early detection and treatment are key in maintaining optimal bone health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.