In cases where a woman has missed several menstrual periods, which question would be most appropriate for a nurse to ask regarding body changes?

When a woman presents with missed menstrual periods, asking about unexplained weight changes is particularly relevant because fluctuations in weight can significantly impact menstrual regularity. Weight gain or loss can influence hormonal balances within the body, leading to disruptions in the menstrual cycle. This is particularly pertinent in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or eating disorders, where body weight plays a crucial role in menstrual health.

Additionally, weight changes can signal underlying health issues that might require further evaluation and management. For instance, sudden and significant weight loss can occur due to stress, societal pressures, or medical conditions, each of which can contribute to missed periods. On the other hand, substantial weight gain, particularly in the context of metabolic changes, can lead to hormonal imbalances that also influence menstrual cycles.

While the other questions may provide useful information regarding a woman’s health, they do not directly address a primary physiological factor that can affect menstrual periods as explicitly as weight changes do. Therefore, concentrating on unexplained weight changes allows the nurse to draw connections to the woman’s menstrual health more effectively.