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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, April 30, 2007

Regulating an irregular menstrual cycle

Q: I'm 20 years old and still do not have a regular menstrual cycle. It sometimes only occurs once within a six-month period. Also, I'm five feet in height and 90 lbs. Could my weight be one of the factors?

I've tried to gain weight but can never hold on to it. I just go back to the exact same weight mentioned above.

What are the health risks of such a condition and is there a way to make my menstrual cycle regular?

A: Before embarking on any naturopathic treatment, a proper diagnosis must be made.

You have to get full hormonal blood work done by your doctor first. A pelvic ultrasound would also be a good idea. Is there any similar family history? If all your results are within normal levels, then that is great and you can start looking at improving your nutrition and vitality.

Balancing your body would be the first step towards regulating your menstrual cycle.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should be ruled out. Often symptoms that you are describing would be associated with some form of ovarian dysfunction.

Research has suggested that PCOS may be related to increased insulin production in the body. Women with PCOS may produce too much insulin, which signals their ovaries to release extra male hormones. PCOS seems to run in families, too, so if someone on your mom or dad's side of the family has it, you might be more likely to develop it. An estimated five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS.

As well, low weight can lead to low body fat content and that in turn can lower your hormone levels to such an extent that your menstrual cycle will disappear or will become irregular.

It frequently occurs in athletes with low body fat content or during malnutrition, as with anorexia.

In your case, to be 90 lbs if you are five feet tall is not such a big problem. You should try and work out and have a good balanced diet so that you can build up muscle and that in turn will help you to weigh more.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani