Can being too thin cause menstruation to stop?

Generally speaking, "aunt's visit" is a euphemism for menstruation. If a woman has severely inadequate fat reserves, being too thin may lead to amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). However, women who are naturally slim but maintain balanced nutrition may not experience significant disruption to their menstrual cycle and are less likely to develop amenorrhea. If menstruation is absent for an extended period, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. The analysis is as follows:

When a woman's body fat level is too low, it can disrupt the menstrual cycle. Under normal circumstances, women need to maintain a certain percentage of body fat, as adipose tissue plays a role in estrogen production. Insufficient estrogen levels prevent the uterine lining from thickening properly, leading to missed periods. Women who excessively restrict food intake for weight loss and consistently consume insufficient calories will deplete their body's fat stores. When body fat drops to a very low level, amenorrhea becomes more likely.

Some women are naturally slender but have normal bodily functions and sufficient, well-balanced nutritional intake. Even with a low body weight, their body fat levels are adequate to support normal hormone metabolism, and essential nutrients ensure proper functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. In such cases, menstruation typically remains regular. The body can synthesize estrogen normally, and the endometrium can grow and shed as usual, maintaining a stable menstrual cycle.

Recommendation: Underweight women should moderately increase their nutrient intake, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in appropriate exercise to build muscle mass.