Diet Treatment For Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation for more than 6 months without an organic or anatomical cause. It is usually associated with high levels of stress, low caloric intake and intense and constant physical exercise. Although it may not seem like it, it alters the body’s functionality and increases bone loss. Therefore, it is essential to follow a dietary treatment for amenorrhea in order to recover the menstrual cycle.
Amenorrhea: common causes
Before revealing what is the proper diet for this disorder, you need to know the causes for which it appears.
First, remember that it is very common in athletes and teenagers with eating disorders (ED), who follow a low-calorie diet with high physical and emotional stress.
Physiologically, the amplitude and frequency of secretion of hormones responsible for ovulation, such as LH, FSH and estradiol, are altered. In turn, cortisol levels increase, while TSH and T3 levels decrease. Even low levels of leptin, a hormone that decrease appetite and an indicator of energy reserves, have been found.
On the contrary, ghrelin, whose effect is to increase appetite, is increased. Prolactin and melatonin also decrease. In the long term, bone mineral density decreases and osteopenia and osteoporosis can occur. Next, we’ll explain how to deal with the problem through diet.
Dietary treatment for amenorrhea
Sufficient caloric intake, the key to dietary treatment of amenorrhea
The body needs energy and nutrients to perform many functions. If it doesn’t get enough, it will prioritize some functions over others. Therefore, it is advisable to increase caloric intake, albeit progressively, as the digestive system needs to readjust. The best way to do this is to increase by 250 to 300 kcal per day.
Consumption of fats and whole grains
Another feature is that these women hardly consume fats and carbohydrates for fear of gaining weight. However, the quality of fats (unsaturated) help to synthesize the hormones of the menstrual cycle and regulate inflammation, thus helping to reduce stress markers in blood.
In addition, these are the nutrients that provide the most energy and therefore by consuming them it will be easier to get those 250-300 kcal more. Include some oilseeds in addition to avocados and olives, and use olive oil for cooking and seasoning dishes.
With regard to carbohydrates, it is recommended to replace refined ones with whole grains. You can even turn to legumes.
Vitamin D and other bone nutrients
As mentioned above, bone health is compromised as the situation continues over time. The reason for the loss of bone mass is the lack of estrogens and calcium-fixing nutrients. Among them, vitamin D, vitamin K and magnesium stand out.
On the one hand, vitamin D is responsible for the absorption of dietary calcium in the intestine. Therefore, we need to have good levels of this vitamin. How to get this? Through continuous and controlled exposure to sunlight and supplementation with D3. It is even possible to combine the intake of blue fish, dairy products, eggs, mushrooms and avocados together with virgin olive oil.
On the other hand, vitamin K and magnesium are involved in the production of osteocalcin, the hormone responsible for bone formation. Vitamin K sources are dairy products, sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and natto (fermented soybeans), while magnesium sources are green leafy vegetables, beans, soybeans and oilseeds.
Other factors involved in treating amenorrhea
In addition to restoring caloric intake and meeting nutritional needs, it is also necessary to reduce the levels of stress women are subject to. First, the intensity and days devoted to strenuous exercise should be reduced. Secondly, it is necessary to undergo psychological therapy to learn to control emotions and promote body satisfaction.
Finally, you should know that menstrual health is a fundamental pillar of our survival. Therefore, as soon as you detect any signs of amenorrhea in you or your daughter, see your gynecologist. Afterwards, consult a nutritionist to explain dietary treatment for amenorrhea.
