Hormonal changes and your menstrual cycle: What to expect when losing weight

💗 Hormonal Changes and Your Menstrual Cycle: What to Expect During Weight Loss
Starting your weight loss journey is an exciting step towards better health, more energy and increased confidence. But as your body changes, you may also notice some unexpected shifts, particularly in your hormonal balance and menstrual cycle.

These changes are completely normal and usually temporary. Here is what to expect and how to support your body along the way.

🌀 Why Does This Happen?
When you lose weight, your hormone levels can change. This is because hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone are closely linked to body fat and metabolism. Even a small amount of weight loss can influence these hormones and affect your menstrual cycle as your body adjusts.

📆 What Might You Notice?

As your body settles into its new rhythm, you may experience:

Changes in period flow – Periods may become lighter or heavier than usual
Differences in duration – Some people notice shorter or longer periods
Cycle irregularity – Periods may arrive more or less often than expected

These changes are usually temporary and often settle as your body finds balance.

💊 A Note About Contraception
Even if you are using hormonal contraception, weight loss may still lead to changes such as:

Unexpected spotting or bleeding between periods
Changes in the timing of your cycle

This happens because natural hormone levels can shift during weight loss, which may interact with your contraceptive method.

💧 What About Water Retention and Bloating?
Hormonal changes, especially around your period, can cause temporary water retention. You may notice:

A feeling of bloating
A small increase on the scales

✅ This is completely normal and not a sign of fat gain. It usually passes within a few days, so try not to feel discouraged.

⚖️ When Are These Changes More Likely?
You might be more likely to notice changes to your cycle if:

Your weight loss is rapid or significant
You are following a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)
You are under a lot of stress or exercising very intensely

These factors can alter body fat levels and influence the production of oestrogen, which may affect the menstrual cycle.

🩺 Should You Be Concerned?
In most cases, changes to your menstrual cycle during weight loss are normal and temporary. However, it is best to speak with your GP if:

Your periods stop completely for three months or more (this is called amenorrhoea)
You experience very heavy bleeding or severe cramping
You are trying to conceive and have concerns about fertility

💛 Be Kind to Your Body
Your body is working hard to support your transformation. Hormonal changes are a natural part of the process and usually nothing to worry about.

Focus on:

Eating well and staying nourished
Getting enough rest and drinking plenty of water
Being kind to yourself during times of change

Remember, progress is not just about the number on the scales. Your health, your mindset and your emotional well-being are just as important.

💬 Need Support?
We are here to answer your questions and support you at every stage of your journey.

📧 Email us: [email protected]
📞 Call us: 028 3833 0720

You are doing something amazing, and we are with you every step of the way. 💛

Hormonal changes and your menstrual cycle: What to expect when losing weightUpdated a month ago