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Ever feel like your period has a mind of its own—showing up late or early, or skipping the party entirely? While stress, hormones, and even travel can mess with your cycle, your weight might be playing a bigger role than you realise. And no, it’s not just about being “too heavy” or “too thin”—it’s about how body fat and hormones work together behind the scenes.
Our bodies rely on a delicate balance of hormones like estrogen to keep menstrual cycles on track. According to the National Health Service and research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, both underweight and overweight individuals can experience disruptions in their period.
The above journal claims that too little body fat and your estrogen levels may dip too low, potentially stopping ovulation altogether. Too much, and your body might produce excess estrogen, which can throw your cycle off or even lead to heavier, more painful periods, reports the above journal.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which is often linked to insulin resistance and weight gain, can also affect how regularly you menstruate. The organisation reports that PCOS impacts about 8–13% of women of reproductive age, and irregular periods are often the first clue.
Small lifestyle changes can go a long way. The Very Well Health states that regular movement (even just a daily walk), mindful eating, and getting enough sleep can help support hormonal balance. If your cycle has been acting up for a while, though, it’s always worth checking in with a healthcare professional.
So next time your period pulls a disappearing act or shows up uninvited, it might be worth asking—not just what you’ve been doing differently, but how your body’s feeling as a whole. Because sometimes, your cycle is just trying to tell you something your brain hasn’t caught up with yet.
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