I've found that by gaining weight my periods have gotten more irregular- its either that or getting older (perhaps both ??). But one of the reasons why I want to lose weight is to have -hopefully- more normal periods.
When I dropped 20 lbs, I noticed that they were more regular- same day starting, same length, etc. When I gained that back plus some, I started getting blood clots and heavier but shorter periods. (Hopefully not TMI)
I'm on birth control to help regulate my periods because I was diagnosed with PCOS at 19. Just the birth control brought what was, at its longest, an irregular up to 2 1/2 month long period down to a week or so...in the last 20 lbs or so it's generally only been 3 or 4 days. So in my case it seems to be helping, but again I'm also on BC to help it.
I've always had long, irregular cycles and weight loss hasn't changed that. The only thing that straightens mine out is being on BC.
My irregular periods didn't stop me from getting pregnant though, it's happened three times very easily (once was a miscarriage) and I was 30-40 lbs heavier at the start of my pregnancies.
Last edited by OhThePlaces; 01-03-2013 at 08:32 AM.
Yes, but I do have PCOS and losing weight is known to help with regulating cycles for those with PCOS. It was after I lost about 10% of my weight (circa 30lbs) that they regulated themselves and they've come like clockwork ever since
I am/was prone to ovarian cysts and I had very irregular periods when I was very heavy. I'd have maybe one-three periods a year and they were. BAD. Like put me out of my misery bad. But once I lost the first 50-60 lbs they started to happen more often and by the time I was 250lbs they were regular and I don't seem to have cysts anymore and my periods are shorter and lighter. I can probably get pregnant now If I wanted which I'm waiting til after my schooling and to get married but yeah I probably could where as at 335lbs I was told it was very unlikely I'd conceive.
I also have PCOS, and also experienced some regulation of my cycle when I lost weight. Then, after 2-3 years of maintenance, the PCOS trumped my weight loss efforts again, and my cycles became irregular. So it did work, yes, but temporarily.
I do not have PCOS or any reproductive irregularities.
I was on BC for most of my weight loss. Prior to going on BC (at age 18) I had VERY irregular periods, but since going off BC at 24 things are a bit more regular. My dream is to work out and lift so hard that I stop getting periods.
I never had textbook 28 day cycles but I had 32-25 day cycles and went on BC when I was 18-21 mostly for my acne and being in a steady relationship. I was 150lbs when I was 17 (I had lost about 84lbs when was 16-17) and now I've been off BC for 2 years and have gained back all that weight I lost and more since I was 18 and my periods have been irregular ever since so I'm thinking its the weight gain. Hoping weight loss will help! Trying to eat a "fertility" diet as well to help. Not TTC but trying to be normal!
Has anyone had irregular periods that have regulated by losing weight? Or has anyone became pregnant once they lost weight?
Yes to both for me. I had irregular periods and I tried for six months to get pregnant while I was over 200 lbs at the time (back in 2004). I lost 47 pounds and got to a "normal" weight (according to the BMI charts) and as SOON as my then husband got back from deployment (6 months in the US NAVY), I got pregnant.
One of my colleagues lost over 50 pounds and fell pregnant "accidentally". This was after 6 years of hormone therapy etc and being told it didnt look likely that she would ever fall pregnant.
Everyone is different, but if you are trying to fall pregnant, being at an optimal weight range is possible better for both mom and baby.
I was overweight during my 2 nd pregnancy and i had a few complications which I think could have been avoided if I was healthier.
...My dream is to work out and lift so hard that I stop getting periods.
I haven't had one since like May of 2010, and there was another span of time between 2005-2007 when I didn't get it either.
I actually tried to get it back by taking folate supplements but it didn't seem to do anything for me, and since I have gained a bit of body fat and am in a more normal range now I was thinking it might come back on its own, but so far, no luck.
It is nice not to have any TOM symptoms or have to deal with periods but I do worry about how it is effecting my long-term health.
Irregular periods fixed by weight loss
