How does diet affect the menstrual cycle?
Apr 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, a healthy diet can affect the menstrual cycle in multiple ways, including nutritional balance and menstrual regularity, protein intake and the menstrual cycle, iron supplementation and menstrual flow, raw or cold foods and宫寒 (gong han, cold in the uterus), as well as spicy foods and uterine stimulation. In daily life, it is important to ensure that the daily diet contains sufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals, and to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Generally speaking, diet and nutrition can influence the menstrual cycle in multiple ways, including nutritional balance and menstrual regularity, protein intake and the menstrual cycle, iron supplementation and menstrual flow, raw or cold foods and cold uterus syndrome, as well as spicy foods and uterine stimulation. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Nutritional Balance and Menstrual Regularity
A balanced diet provides various nutrients necessary for bodily functions and helps maintain stable hormone levels, thus contributing to regular menstruation. A deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals may affect normal ovarian function and hormone secretion, leading to menstrual irregularities.
2. Protein Intake and the Menstrual Cycle
Protein serves as a fundamental component of body cells and is crucial for maintaining normal reproductive system function. Insufficient protein intake may affect estrogen synthesis, potentially leading to menstrual disorders or amenorrhea.
3. Iron Supplementation and Menstrual Flow
Iron is a key element in hemoglobin synthesis and plays a significant role in maintaining normal menstrual flow. Iron deficiency may cause anemia, thereby reducing menstrual flow or shortening the menstrual cycle.
4. Raw or Cold Foods and Cold Uterus Syndrome
Excessive consumption of raw or cold foods, such as ice cream and cold beverages, may lead to cold uterus syndrome, causing problems like dysmenorrhea and poor menstrual flow. Cold uterus syndrome may also affect the normal shedding of the endometrium, thus influencing menstrual cycle regularity.
5. Spicy Foods and Uterine Stimulation
Spicy foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns may stimulate the uterus and interfere with normal menstruation. Frequent consumption of spicy foods may increase the body's burden and negatively affect blood circulation, thereby adversely influencing the menstrual cycle.
In daily life, it is important to ensure that the diet contains sufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains and lean meats, is recommended. Additionally, maintaining regular sleep patterns and engaging in moderate physical activity can help regulate the endocrine system and preserve menstrual cycle regularity.
