Can obesity cause amenorrhea?

Obesity affects menstruation in many ways. On the one hand, excessive fat accumulation in obese people can interfere with the endocrine system and affect the normal secretion of hormones, especially estrogen and gonadotropin. On the other hand, obesity can also lead to problems such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and metabolic syndrome, further aggravating endocrine disorders and menstrual disorders.

1. Hormone imbalance: The number of fat cells in obese people increases, which will over-secrete estrogen, leading to high estrogen levels. High estrogen levels will inhibit the secretion of gonadotropin, affect the normal development of follicles, and ultimately lead to ovulation disorders and irregular menstruation.

2. Endocrine disorders: Obesity may cause endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, which can cause follicles to fail to develop and ovulate normally, thereby affecting the menstrual cycle.

3. Metabolic abnormalities: Obese people are prone to problems such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and metabolic syndrome, which will further interfere with the endocrine system and affect the menstrual cycle.

4. Psychological factors: Obese people may suffer from irregular menstruation due to psychological problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Excessive psychological stress and mood swings may also affect the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, thereby affecting the menstrual cycle.

Obesity can indeed lead to amenorrhea or irregular menstruation. In order to maintain women's health and normal menstrual cycles, they should pay attention to weight management and maintain a moderate weight. At the same time, comprehensive treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor for endocrine and metabolic problems related to obesity.