How A Calorie-deficit Diet Can Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?
- By Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe
- 21 Jun 2023
- Verified by Dr. Kulyk Alexander Petrovich
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- Williams NI et al. Magnitude of daily energy deficit predicts frequency but not severity of menstrual disturbances associated with exercise and caloric restriction. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2015 Jan 1;308(1):E29-39.
- Webb P. 24-hour energy expenditure and the menstrual cycle. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 1986 Nov 1;44(5):614-9.
- Bray GA. Good calories, bad calories by gary taubes; new york: Aa knopf. obesity reviews. 2008 May;9(3):251-63.
- Redman LM et al. Endocrine alterations in response to calorie restriction in humans. Molecular and cellular endocrinology. 2009 Feb 5;299(1):129-36.
- Your Menstrual Cycle
- Stopped or missed periods
- Estrogen Deficiency and the Origin of Obesity during Menopause
- What happens when estrogen levels are low
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A calorie-deficit diet is when you eat and drink fewer calories than you burn. Majorly followed when one is looking to shed some kilos by replacing sugar and including fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, seeds etc., in your diet.
Calorie deficit and period are correlated. Excessive or sudden weight loss can cause hormonal imbalances and cause your periods to stop. Calorie deficit on period topples your normal menstrual cycle and reproductive health.
Low-calorie deficit diet does not provide the required energy for the menstrual cycle process to occur and suppress ovulation, leading to infertility and lack of menstrual bleeding. It also affects bone health and increases the chances of cardiovascular and other diseases.
A calorie deficit diet plan is a plan that is formulated in which the calorie intake is reduced per day or week to maintain the weight or to aid in weight loss. The calorie intake is decreased, and the activities that burn the excess calories are increased, resulting in faster burnout of the unused calories. Calorie deficit for women should be carefully planned as it impacts reproductive health.
Yes, eating too little can stop your period. When your body doesn’t get enough calories, it may reduce hormone production, especially estrogen, which is needed for ovulation. Over time, this can lead to missed periods or a condition called amenorrhea.
Yes, rapid or excessive weight loss can cause irregular periods. Losing weight too quickly or maintaining a large calorie deficit can disrupt hormone balance, which may delay ovulation and lead to irregular or missed cycles.
Calorie needs vary, but consistently eating below your body’s energy requirements can affect menstrual health. Very low-calorie diets (often below 1,200–1,500 calories for many women) may increase the risk of hormonal imbalance and irregular periods, especially when combined with intense exercise.
Yes, a calorie deficit can delay ovulation. When your body senses low energy availability, it may postpone ovulation to conserve energy. This can result in longer cycles, irregular periods, or missed periods over time.
If your period becomes irregular, focus on nutrient-dense foods that support hormone balance and energy levels:
- Iron-rich foods (spinach, lentils, red meat)
- Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocados)
- Protein-rich foods (eggs, legumes, tofu)
- Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa)
- Vitamin C-rich foods (citrus fruits, berries)
Eating balanced meals and avoiding extreme calorie restriction can help restore regular menstrual cycles.
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