---
title: How does obesity affect the menstrual cycle in adolescents? | Niyora
description: Adolescents with obesity are more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and premenstrual disorders including PMS and PM
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-effects-of-obesity-on-the-menstrual-cycle-2022/
---

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- How does obesity affect the menstrual cycle in adolescents?

Survey study, 2022

# How does obesity affect the menstrual cycle in adolescents?

Adolescents with obesity are more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and premenstrual disorders including PMS and PMDD. The hormonal changes in obesity help explain these connections.

 Early or limited evidence

Adolescent girls with obesity (review of existing research)

## What they did

This review article summarizes research on how obesity relates to menstrual cycle changes in adolescents, discussing the hormones involved and how they affect the ovaries and hormonal system.

## What they found

Obesity is associated with earlier puberty and first menstruation, greater menstrual cycle irregularity, PCOS, infrequent or absent periods, and heavy menstrual bleeding. It is also associated with higher rates of PMS and PMDD. The pattern of hormone changes in obesity resembles the pattern in PCOS, with higher testosterone and insulin levels.

## What it means for you

Obesity affects the menstrual cycle through multiple hormonal pathways. Managing weight and obesity may help prevent menstrual problems and their long-term complications such as infertility and pregnancy complications. However, this is a review of existing studies, not new research findings.

3

hormones implicated (leptin, kisspeptin, insulin)

since 1970s

obesity prevalence has been increasing

multiple

menstrual conditions associated with obesity

## About the study

Original title The effects of obesity on the menstrual cycle Authors Itriyeva K Journal Current problems in pediatric and adolescent health care Year 2022 Study design Survey study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2022.101241](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2022.101241)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Eating disorders](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-eating-disorders/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-pcos/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

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