Amenorrhea
Also called: missed periods bone loss, exercise-induced amenorrhea, athletic amenorrhea, secondary amenorrhea, loss of periods bone loss, menstrual irregularity and bone, irregular periods bone loss
What it means
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods, often from low estrogen caused by intense exercise, low body weight, or inadequate nutrition.
Low estrogen from missed periods can speed up bone loss and lower peak bone mass, raising fracture risk later in life.
Amenorrhea means missing menstrual periods. It can happen when the body senses too little energy coming in compared to what's going out — common in women who exercise heavily, restrict food, or lose weight quickly. It's also called secondary amenorrhea when periods stop after previously being regular, and exercise-induced or athletic amenorrhea when linked to training load.
The connection to bones is estrogen. Periods stopping usually means estrogen levels have dropped, and estrogen helps slow down bone breakdown. Without enough of it, bone can be lost faster than it's rebuilt. This is part of what's known as the female athlete triad, which links low energy availability, missing periods, and weaker bones.
If periods have stopped for several months, it's worth telling a doctor. They may check hormone levels and consider a bone density scan, since prolonged amenorrhea at a young age can mean lower peak bone mass later in life. Treatment focuses on restoring the underlying cause — usually enough nutrition and appropriately adjusted training — and any hormonal treatment should be guided by a physician.
Missed periods from low estrogen can speed bone loss and lower peak bone mass, raising future fracture risk.
Where this leads
WordWondering what causes missed periods in athletes? This condition links not eating enough for heavy exercise to measurable bone loss.
Related words
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Education only, not medical advice. Decisions about tests, medications and treatment belong with your own doctor. OsteoStrong does not diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
