XX-rated: Female Biology

jemhh

There seems to be a steady stream of MFP threads related to female biology and how it affects (or doesn't affect) weight loss or exercise or fitness overall. I usually end up posting and reposting a few good articles that I’ve found on those subjects so I thought I’d try to start a thread where we can continue to post and discuss such links. If possible, I'd like to see this thread stick to actual biology (e.g., menstrual cycles, menopause, hormones, etc.) and not make it a "wah, I can't eat as much as my boyfriend" discussion.

A starter list of links:

Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Determinants of Energy Intake

Gender differences in training and metabolism

Harnessing the power of your cycle

Influence of menstrual cycle on strength training and timing

Hormone cycle and female lifters

What really causes irregular menstrual cycles in female athletes

queenliz99

Thanks for posting this, seriously needed

absoluttalent

Thread title got my hopes up

jemhh

absoluttalent wrote: »

Thread title got my hopes up

abatonfan

Thanks for the links! I found the information potentially linking low leptin levels and amenorrhea interesting, and it's something I'll probably bring up with my endocrinologist whenever I see her (I found some research suggesting low leptin levels being correlated with type 1 diabetes, which might also explain some girly issues I am having).

Now I feel like I am digging myself into constant research. The endocrine system is so fascinating and often doesn't get the credit it deserves.

jemhh

abatonfan wrote: »

Thanks for the links! I found the information potentially linking low leptin levels and amenorrhea interesting, and it's something I'll probably bring up with my endocrinologist whenever I see her (I found some research suggesting low leptin levels being correlated with type 1 diabetes, which might also explain some girly issues I am having).

Now I feel like I am digging myself into constant research. The endocrine system is so fascinating and often doesn't get the credit it deserves.

Agreed. It really is interesting once you start reading about it.

I experience amenorrhea pretty much anytime I cut or increase my calories by 250+. It happens right away, too. I've been to various doctors (including an endocrinologist) and come to the conclusion that it is pretty much just my norm. I don't worry when my period turns up missing these days but whenever somebody posts that they are experiencing the same thing I suggest starting with a doctor's visit.