What specific role does adipose tissue play in regulating the menstrual cycle?
Answer
It influences estrogen metabolism
Adipose tissue is biologically active and plays a critical role in the metabolism of estrogen. Significant fluctuations in body weight, such as sudden loss or having a high body mass index, directly affect estrogen levels. Because the menstrual cycle requires a precise hormonal balance to function correctly, changes in the amount of adipose tissue can disrupt this balance, pushing the cycle length outside of the normal, healthy range.
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