by EBSCO Medical Review Board

Lifestyle changes will depend on the cause. Exercise, food plan, weight, and stress can all play a role. It may take some time for a period to come back after changes are made.

Lower the Intensity of Workouts

Intense workouts can cause periods to stop. The body does not make enough estrogen when this happens. This can put a woman at risk for health problems, such as weakened bones. Lowering the intensity of workouts often helps periods return.

Athletes may need to stay on their workout schedule. Periods will often return when training is done or during the offseason. They can talk to their doctor about steps to protect overall health when training.

Stay at the Right Weight and Level of Body Fat

Amenorrhea is often due to having too much or too little body fat. Staying at a healthy weight can help lower the risk of problems. This can be done with the help of a doctor or dietitian who can create an eating and activity plan.

A period may return when a healthy weight is reached. Rapid weight gain or loss can also cause problems. Avoid extreme plans that cause rapid changes in weight.

Lower Your Stress Levels

High levels of stress can change periods. Lowering stress may help. This may be done with things like meditation, deep breathing, progressive relaxation, yoga, and biofeedback.

References

Abnormal uterine bleeding. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:  http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T361089/Abnormal-uterine-bleeding . Updated October 10, 2019. Accessed November 14, 2019.

Amenorrhea. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:  https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/abnormal-uterine-bleeding . Updated January 16, 2018. Accessed November 14, 2019.

Bleeding Disorders in Women. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/index.html. Updated April 25, 2018. Accessed November 14, 2019.

Klein DA, Poth MA. Amenorrhea: an approach to diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Jun 1;87(11):781-788.

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