Frauen beschweren sich, zweimal menstruiert zu sein oder gar nicht: Gynäkologen haben eine mögliche Ursache gefunden

Women around the world have been reporting irregular menstrual cycles, with some experiencing two periods in one month or none at all. A growing number of women, including those in Croatia, have shared their concerns on social media, prompting gynecologists to investigate potential causes. According to reports, the phenomenon has been observed globally, with women in Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom also raising alarms. Croatian gynecologist Danijel Bursać suggests that high temperatures and prolonged heatwaves could be contributing factors. The issue gained attention after Hilde Elder, a woman from the United States, described her experience of having two menstrual periods within a single month. She noted that this was not an isolated case, as she knew of more than 45 other women facing similar problems. Elder emphasized that these changes were widespread, not limited to any particular region. “My cycle has always been regular, like a Swiss watch, and now I’ve had two bleedings in one month,” she explained. “It seems to be happening everywhere, and I’ve seen videos from German women talking about the same thing.” Experts suggest that extreme weather conditions, particularly heatwaves, might be influencing hormonal balances. Bursać pointed out that elevated cortisol levels, linked to stress caused by high temperatures, can disrupt the body’s hormone production, which in turn affects the menstrual cycle. He cited scientific studies indicating that increased sunlight exposure and longer days can influence prolactin secretion, another hormone known to impact menstruation. “There is scientific evidence showing that during these hot periods, there is an effect on the cycle,” he stated. However, Bursać warned that any irregular bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. “Women call in, but over the phone, you can’t determine whether it’s due to environmental factors or a health issue. Only when other serious causes are ruled out can we consider the impact of heat,” he added. This underscores the importance of medical consultation, as abnormal bleeding can sometimes signal underlying health conditions. Across Europe, heatwaves have led to widespread discomfort, with many countries experiencing record-breaking temperatures. In the UK, author Mike Kendon noted that while climate change has long been discussed in academic circles, its daily impacts are becoming increasingly tangible. “Many people have experienced climate change as something scientists talk about, but they didn’t expect its effects to feel so directly in everyday life,” he said. In Croatia, a new heatwave has gripped the country, marking the third such event along the coast and the second inland. The National Hydrometeorological Service (DHMZ) predicts temperatures will rise to 36 or 37 degrees Celsius in the coming days. The agency has issued warnings that such extreme heat can significantly affect public health. Large parts of the country are under a red alert, indicating a very high risk of heat-related illnesses. As the situation continues to unfold, both local and international experts are monitoring the connection between rising temperatures and reproductive health. While some link the phenomenon to climate change, others caution against drawing conclusions without further research. For now, the focus remains on understanding the possible causes and ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate care.