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The influence of diet on the absence and recovery of the menstrual cycle
MARTINÁSKOVÁ, Markéta
The aim of my Bachelors thesis was to find out what effect diet has on menstrual cycle loss and what effect diet has on menstrual cycle repair. Eating disorders, malnutrition, alternative diets, low body fat, hormonal contraceptives, stress, reduced energy intake and excessive physical activity can have a negative impact on the menstrual system. One of the most common forms of secondary amenorrhea is functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Low level of estrogen occur, which has a negative effect not only on the reproductive system of women, but also on their overall health. Secondary amenorrhea that lasts 6 months or more results in thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) in postmenopausal age. Early therapy is necessary for the proper function of the female reproductive system. In the practical part, I evaluated a questionnaire of my own design and analyzed the diet records from respondents who have faced or are facing loss of menstrual cycle. The results of my questionnaire investigation confirm the negative impact of the above mentioned factors on menstruation. More than half of the women interviewed have experience of eating disorders. Almost 1/3 of the women are on a reduction diet. The daily energy intake of some of the respondents is below 1500 kcal. The vast majority of the women participate regularly in sports. More than 1/2 of the women experience frequent fatigue, stress and were facing difficult life situation at the time of loss of menstruation. Only less than 1/4 of the respondents use hormonal contraceptives or have an IUD in place. According to the questionnaire survey, more than half of gynaecologists do not deal with loss of menstrual cycle. After evaluating individual diets, it is clear that loss of menstrual periods occurs with low energy intake. By increasing energy intake, menstruation returns.
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