Why fertility matters even when you don't want to get pregnant
“Fertility” is a term that is used specifically to talk about a person’s ability to reproduce. Here at Feed Your Zest, we care about your reproductive health regardless of your desire to get pregnant, and want you to feel empowered to make decisions about your body. So, let’s talk about periods!
What does menstruation mean for the body?
Menstruation, or the monthly period, is when hormone levels signal to the body that it’s time to shed the endometrial lining. From a biological standpoint, the uterus is preparing for pregnancy by building up the lining. When pregnancy doesn’t happen, then the hormone levels begin to fall, causing the lining to shed which results in bleeding. A typical cycle is between 24 to 38 days long but can vary from month to month, meaning the first day of your period up to the beginning of your next period is at least 24 days but not more than 38 days (ideally McKenzie likes to see closer to 27-35 days!).
I know we often times dread when it’s the ‘time of the month’, but our periods are actually a good thing and are really important!
Reasons for not having a regular period:
So, now that we all understand what a regular period is, what does it mean if you don’t have one? If you struggle with an irregular or missing period, you are not alone! Today’s world is often screaming at humans to eat less, be smaller, and work harder in order to be defined as “healthy”. However, these voices and actions are contributing to very unhealthy, obsessive, and unrealistic goals for the majority of the population which can lead to disordered eating patterns and irregular menstruation.
There are various reasons for not having a period, but this article is going to focus on two reasons: hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
HA is a hormonal disturbance is the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis caused by undereating, excessive exercise, and/or high levels of stress that results in suppressed ovulation and loss of period. In simpler terms, it means having a missing period from a hormonal imbalance, caused by under fueling and overexerting your body.
PCOS is a condition that affects the ovaries and ovulation, and often coincides with insulin resistance and/or high androgen levels. These hormone imbalances can result in cysts in the ovaries, abnormal hair growth, metabolic complications, and irregular or missing periods just to name a few. While the cause of PCOS is unknown, feeding your body adequately and consistently is really important to help manage symptoms.
Far too often people with PCOS and HA are given dieting advice by doctors or other medical professionals which only exacerbates their symptoms and continues the cycle of underfeeding their bodies. I’m here to tell you that there is a better, healthier, and more sustainable way to get your period back that does NOT include unrealistic dieting rules.
Why do I need to have a period?
You may be thinking ‘okay cool, but I don’t want to get pregnant right now, or maybe ever, so why is having a period important for me?’
Regular monthly periods are a sign that our bodies are functioning properly, even if we have no intention of getting pregnant. They are a vital sign that hormones are in balance which have downstream effects on both mental and physical health. If you aren’t having a regular period, that means the endometrial lining is not shedding, which increases your risk for endometrial cancer. If your root cause is PCOS, a regular monthly period is also one of many signs that insulin and androgens are coming back into balance.
If the root cause for not having your period is HA or undereating, that often means your body has a low amount of estrogen. Low estrogen increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Many people with irregular or missing periods also struggle with:
Osteoporosis and bone fractures
Difficulty sleeping & night sweats
Anxiety and depression
Sexual problems
Brittle hair and nails or hair loss
Nutrient deficiencies
Unfortunately, a monthly bleed from being on birth control is NOT the same as a natural period because ovulation is suppressed. While it does help shed the endometrial lining and may help with some symptoms of PCOS like acne, the pill and other hormonal birth controls are not able to protect bone health or correct the issues mentioned above. It is important to work with your doctor and dietitian together to figure out what methods of contraception work best for you while re-nourishing your body and balancing your hormones.
How do I get my period back?
You deserve a peaceful relationship with food and your body. You deserve to be free of the diet rules that have taken over your life and damaged your health. You deserve to be nourished, no matter your body size.
Getting your period back is a vital sign that hormones are balancing, but healing your hormones starts with healing your relationship with food.
By using an intuitive eating approach with a registered dietitian, you can work together to get your period back by discussing:
How to use gentle nutrition to fuel your life goals now & in the future without dieting
Sustainable habits that take into account your individual needs & preferences
Ways to take care of your body & mind with simple, evidence-based lifestyle shifts
Evaluation for nutrient deficiencies and whether you need supplements