A growing number of women in the United States are experiencing amenorrhea, a condition defined by the absence of menstrual periods. Health experts are increasingly worried about this under-discussed issue, especially as lifestyle stressors, extreme dieting, and overexercising continue to affect women’s reproductive health.
According to a recent Reuters special report, doctors are reporting an uptick in cases of hypothalamic amenorrhea—a condition where menstruation stops due to a disruption in the brain’s signal to the reproductive system, often triggered by stress or energy imbalance.
What Is Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?
Hypothalamic amenorrhea is not a disease, but a signal from the body that something is off-balance—often due to:
- Intense physical training
- Drastic calorie restriction or disordered eating
- Emotional or psychological stress
- Sudden weight loss
This condition is especially common in athletes, dancers, fitness influencers, and women under chronic pressure to maintain unrealistic body standards.
The Hidden Health Risks
While missed periods may seem harmless, amenorrhea can have serious long-term consequences, including:
- Infertility
- Low bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis
- Hormonal imbalances affecting mood, metabolism, and cognitive function
- Increased cardiovascular risk
Many women overlook these risks, dismissing the condition as temporary or even a “benefit.” But experts warn that losing a period is never normal unless due to pregnancy, menopause, or medically approved birth control.
Experts Call for Greater Awareness
Healthcare professionals say the condition is underdiagnosed due to stigma, misinformation, and the normalization of irregular periods in fitness and influencer circles. There’s a growing call for:
- Better education around menstrual health
- Early screening and diagnosis
- Supportive interventions, including nutrition counseling and stress management
A Global Feminine Health Conversation
As discussions around women’s health and FemTech grow louder, amenorrhea must be part of the narrative. It’s not just a personal issue—it reflects societal pressure on women’s bodies and calls for a more holistic, inclusive healthcare approach.
Source:
Reuters – ‘My Period Vanished’: The Women Struggling With Missed Periods and Hidden Health Risks
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-HEALTH/AMENORRHEA/dwpklrkaxvm
