What causes amenorrhea and what is the treatment?
Amenorrhea occurs when you do not menstruate at all during your reproductive years. This is a common complaint among females. Amenorrhea is either primary (a 15-year-old girl who has yet to experience her first menstrual period) or secondary. Amenorrhea can be attributed to women who are underweight or those who engage in intense exercise. Amenorrhea can be caused by many factors other than a lack of body fat or excessive exercise. A diet rich in calcium, folic acids & other nutrients can help maintain normal bone density and reduce the risk of having menstrual issues due to inadequate nutrition.
Diet for Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea, which is not a true disease, is only a symptom. Corrective measures are based on the cause and type of condition. Normal functioning of the reproductive organs can be restored once the underlying cause has been treated. Lifestyle factors like low body weight and excessive exercise can be controlled. To support regular menstruation, a balanced diet with enough calcium, proteins, fats and other nutrients is essential. According to some, a gluten-free lifestyle can help prevent irregular menstruation and even improve fertility.
Amenorrhea can be treated with the following food recommendations:
Recommended foods:
- Amenorrhea-suffering women should consume fewer processed foods and foods that are rich in unsaturated fats.
- Consume more vegetables, whole grains, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in cold water fish, nuts and seeds.
- Include dark green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or collards and turnip leaves, okra, and asparagus, as well as citrus fruits and juices.
Foods suitable for moderate consumption:
Brinjal and potatoes
Foods you should avoid:
- Avoid chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol as they can both affect hormone function.
- Avoid or limit the consumption of refined sugar and fried foods.
- Avoid gluten-containing foods such as rye and barley, mayonnaise & ketchup (malt vinegar), soy sauce, teriyaki, canned food, sausages & cans.
Home Remedies:
- Daily consumption of carrot and beetroot juice improves blood count and regulates periods.
- This remedy helps to induce menstruation and ease menstrual discomfort.
- Add a teaspoon to a half-cup of water. Boil the water until it is reduced to one tablespoon. Divide the concentrate into three portions and consume it throughout the day. Saffron, a powerful antioxidant, can reduce stress and treat chronic inflammatory conditions.