The Growing Concern of Secondary Amenorrhea in Adolescents
Recently, there has been a troubling trend among adolescent girls: many experience the sudden loss of menstruation after having their first period, often around the ages of seventeen or eighteen. According to Professor Tan Yong, the director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the pursuit of a "thin ideal" has resulted in a significant increase in cases of **diet-induced amenorrhea**.
Understanding Secondary Amenorrhea
Professor Tan explains that once a menstrual cycle is established, the absence of menstruation for more than three consecutive months is classified as **secondary amenorrhea**. While this condition is a symptom, the causes are varied. In the past, issues primarily traced back to the uterus and ovaries; however, incidents of **diet-induced amenorrhea** have become increasingly common.
The Role of the Hypothalamus
Within the human brain, the hypothalamus contains both the **appetite center** and the **satiety center**. When individuals engage in extreme dieting, the brain's cortex may impose strong restrictions, leading to disruptions in the hypothalamic centers that regulate appetite. Over time, this dysfunction can result in weight loss and previously unrecognized impacts on the hypothalamus's secretion of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormones. A reduction in these hormones ultimately decreases both **luteinizing hormone (LH)** and **follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)** secreted by the pituitary gland, both of which are crucial for maintaining a normal menstrual cycle. Therefore, sustaining a certain level of body fat is essential for women to retain regular menstruation.
Challenging Cultural Norms
Professor Tan further highlights a concerning cultural influence that glorifies the "thin" aesthetic. This notion not only fosters unhealthy habits but also contributes to the symptoms of **amenorrhea**, which can manifest as **pale skin**, **dry hair**, **prominent joints**, and insufficient breast development, resulting in an overall obscured feminine figure. Can this be considered beauty?
The Importance of Proper Education
Moreover, there is a significant gap in education regarding menstruation and its relationship with health. Many girls still view normal menstruation as a **nuisance**, lacking understanding of its importance. In countries with advanced health education systems, girls take pride in their menstruation and the characteristics that come with femininity.
This trend underscores the need for better education and awareness about the importance of regular menstruation, as well as the dangers of extreme dieting. It is crucial for society to promote a balanced view of health and beauty, emphasizing that a healthy body is vital for overall well-being.
Conclusion
In light of these insights, it is imperative that young women are taught the value of maintaining healthy habits and embracing their bodies as they are. Recognizing that health should not be sacrificed for the sake of societal standards can help combat the alarming trend of amenorrhea in adolescents.