What You Need To Know About Your Period

What Effects Does Birth Control Actually Have On Your Period?

Birth control can have various effects on the menstrual cycle, depending on the type of birth control and the individual’s body.

For example, hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, the patch, the ring, injections, and hormonal IUDs, work by altering the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. These hormones are responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle, to allow hormonal birth control to impact the timing and length of your periods.

Some of the ways that birth control can affect periods include the following …

Lighter Periods
Hormonal birth control can make periods lighter by thinning the lining of the uterus, which results in less menstrual flow.

Shorter Periods
Birth control can also shorten the duration of periods by reducing the number of days of bleeding.

Less Cramping
Hormonal birth control can reduce menstrual cramps by suppressing ovulation, and decreasing the amount of prostaglandins; a hormone-like substances that causes cramping.

Irregular Bleeding
Some women may experience irregular bleeding when starting hormonal birth control. This can include spotting between periods, or having periods that are longer or shorter than usual.

Whichever particular birth control you are currently taking, it’s important to note that not all types of birth control have the same effects on periods, and individual experiences can vary. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or how birth control is affecting it, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.

What Can Cause The Loss Of Your Period?

There are several factors that can cause the loss of your period; also known as amenorrhea. One of the most common causes of amenorrhea is hormonal imbalances, particularly a deficiency in the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle such as estrogen and progesterone. Other potential causes of amenorrhea include …

Stress
Physical or emotional stress can affect the body’s hormone levels, potentially leading to amenorrhea.

Excessive Exercise
Intense physical activity, or over-exercising, can also cause hormonal imbalances and amenorrhea. This can be a particular concern for female athletes who engage in high levels of training or competition.

Low Body Weight/ Low Body Fat
Women who have a low body weight or body fat percentage, may experience amenorrhea because their bodies do not have enough energy to support normal hormone production.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
This is a condition in which the ovaries produce too much testosterone, which can disrupt the menstrual cycle.

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is a condition that can affect both male and female athletes. It occurs when an athlete’s energy intake is not sufficient to meet their energy needs, resulting in low energy availability. This can cause hormonal imbalances, including amenorrhea in females, as well as other health problems such as decreased bone density and impaired immune function. RED-S can be caused by a variety of factors, including …

Disordered Eating
Athletes who have eating disorders or engage in disordered eating behaviors may not consume enough calories to meet their energy needs.

Overtraining
Athletes who engage in excessive training or competition may not be able to consume enough calories to meet their energy needs.

Lack of Recovery Time
Athletes who do not allow themselves sufficient time for recovery between training sessions may not be able to consume enough calories to meet their energy needs.

Psychological Stress
Athletes who experience high levels of psychological stress may not be able to consume enough calories to meet their energy needs.

In summary, amenorrhea and RED-S are both conditions that can result from a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, low body weight or body fat, stress, and inadequate energy intake. If you are experiencing amenorrhea or suspect that you may have RED-S, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

What Can You Do If You Lost Your Period And Don’t Know How To Get It Back?

If you have lost your period and are unsure how to get it back, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your amenorrhea and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Here are some steps you can take …

1️⃣ Visit your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can conduct a physical exam, review your medical history, and perform any necessary tests to determine the underlying cause of your amenorrhea. They can also provide guidance on how to regain your menstrual cycle.

2️⃣ Address any underlying medical conditions. If your amenorrhea is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or a thyroid disorder, your healthcare provider may recommend specific treatments to address these conditions.

3️⃣ Adjust your exercise routine. If you are an athlete or exercise regularly, you may need to modify your routine, to reduce the amount of physical stress on your body. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on how to adjust your exercise routine, to help regain your menstrual cycle.

4️⃣ Improve your nutrition. If you have a low body weight or body fat percentage, or if you are not consuming enough calories to support your energy needs, your healthcare provider may recommend changes to your diet and nutrition.

5️⃣ Address any underlying psychological factors. If your amenorrhea is caused by psychological stress or disordered eating behaviors, your healthcare provider may recommend therapy or counseling to address these issues.

It’s important to remember that it may take some time to regain your menstrual cycle, and treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your amenorrhea. However, with the right support and guidance from your healthcare provider, you can take steps to improve your health and regain your menstrual cycle.

Lifestyle Changes You Can Make To Get Your Cycle Back

If you have have lost your period due to stress, there are several changes you can make to improve your health, and potentially regain your menstrual cycle. Here are some steps you can take …

Manage Stress
Since stress is a major factor in amenorrhea, it’s important to manage stress levels. This can include practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, engaging in regular exercise, and seeking support from friends or family.

Improve Nutrition
Eating a balanced diet with adequate calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients is important for overall health and hormone regulation. A registered dietitian can provide guidance on an individualized nutrition plan that meets a woman’s energy needs.

Address Any Underlying Medical Conditions
If there are underlying medical conditions contributing to the amenorrhea, such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), treatment for those conditions may help regulate the menstrual cycle.

Adjust Exercise
If exercise is contributing to the stress that led to amenorrhea, reducing exercise intensity or frequency may be helpful. Engaging in low-impact activities such as yoga or walking can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Get Plenty Of Quality Sleep
Sleep is essential for overall health and hormone regulation. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep routine.

Consider Hormone Therapy
In some cases, hormone therapy may be recommended to help regulate the menstrual cycle. This can include birth control pills, which contain hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, or other hormone therapies prescribed by a healthcare provide

It’s important to note that regaining menstrual cycles after stress-induced amenorrhea may take time, and may require a combination of approaches. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider and possibly other specialists, such as a registered dietitian or mental health professional, to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Supplements You Can Take To Help Improve FSH and LH Pulsatility ?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are important hormones for female reproductive health, and their pulsatility plays a key role in ovulation and menstrual cycle regulation. While there are no supplements that directly improve FSH and LH pulsatility, there are some supplements that may help support overall reproductive health. Here are some examples …

Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with menstrual irregularities and infertility. Supplementing with vitamin D may help improve overall reproductive health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce menstrual pain and inflammation. They may also support ovarian function and improve fertility.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Some studies suggest that CoQ10 may improve ovarian function and egg quality.

Myo-inositol
Myo-inositol is a type of B-vitamin that may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance, which can improve menstrual regularity and fertility.

N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
NAC is an antioxidant that may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress. It may also improve menstrual regularity and ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

It’s important to note that supplements should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment and should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Additionally, the effectiveness of supplements may vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of FSH and LH pulsatility issues. A healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs and health status.