What should I do if my period stops due to dieting for weight loss?

Every woman hopes to maintain a slender figure. To lose weight, everyone exerts their utmost effort. Appropriate weight loss can indeed help maintain a healthy physique; however, choosing an inappropriate weight-loss method may adversely affect health—potentially leading to amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). So, what should one do if dieting-induced weight loss results in missed periods?

What to Do If Dieting Causes Amenorrhea

If amenorrhea occurs due to restrictive dieting, the first step is to resume a balanced, nutritious diet and observe whether menstruation resumes naturally. If menstruation remains absent even after dietary normalization, a visit to the hospital for a pelvic ultrasound examination is recommended. Ultrasound primarily assesses endometrial thickness, which helps guide appropriate hormonal treatment. If the endometrium is excessively thin, menstruation is likely to remain delayed; in such cases, physicians typically prescribe estrogen and progesterone to establish an artificial menstrual cycle. Conversely, if endometrial thickness meets the criteria expected prior to menstruation, short-term progesterone therapy alone may suffice to induce menses.

Amenorrhea following weight loss is common among women and is often attributable to improper weight-loss methods. Fortunately, most affected individuals can restore normal menstrual function by adjusting their approach and implementing supportive interventions. Excessive dietary restriction deprives the body of essential nutrients required for blood production, potentially triggering adverse outcomes such as premature ovarian insufficiency or secondary amenorrhea. When menstruation fails to occur, patients should promptly seek medical evaluation—including serum sex hormone panel testing (six key hormones) and gynecological color Doppler ultrasound—to assess endometrial development.

If endometrial thickness is suboptimal, increasing intake of foods rich in phytoestrogens may support endometrial growth and subsequently promote menstruation. However, if endometrial thickness is within the normal range yet menstruation remains absent, herbal preparations such as *Leonurus heterophyllus* granules (Yimucao granules) may be considered to help regulate and induce menses. We hope this information proves helpful to you.