When will exercise cause a menstrual cycle to stop?

bonedaddyds
bonedaddyds Posts: 25 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm a 26 year old female who exercises daily - 30-40 minutes of HIIT training or running for the most part - I eat between 1200-1400 calories a day and stick to a paleo diet with the exception of one day a week,

The past few months I haven't changed this routine but my periods have stopped and I also notice I'm starting to gain weight? I'm a bit perplexed because I know weight gain is calories in vs calories out when it comes down to it and I'd be hard pressed to believe that 1200-1400 calories a day is taking me out of a deficit.

So I was curious to know if anyone knows if a disrupted menstrual cycle can make you start gaining weight? I've tried googling a million things and can't find anything that really answer my question.

Any help would be appreciated! Thank you

Replies

  • RachelAngel01
    RachelAngel01 Posts: 77 Member
    Are you sexually active? Because it sounds an awful lot like you're pregnant....
  • bonedaddyds
    bonedaddyds Posts: 25 Member
    Oh gosh! I didn't even think to mention that I am Absolutely NOT sexually active nor have I ever been. Haha, unless I have been chosen for the second coming of Jesus there is no way
  • RachelAngel01
    RachelAngel01 Posts: 77 Member
    Well that's good! Sorry I don't have any other insight for you. :-) best of luck!
  • bonedaddyds
    bonedaddyds Posts: 25 Member
    Well that's good! Sorry I don't have any other insight for you. :-) best of luck!

    No problem, it's good information for othe r people to know so I appreciate it!
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    If you google 'exercise amenorrhea' you can read about it. 35-40 minutes a day usually wouldn't cause it, I don't think. Is your body fat level low? Do you have excess weight to lose? What is your BMI? Do you eat a nutritious diet? If you're eating at a high deficit and don't have the body fat to support it, I think it can happen then, too.

    http://www.vcuhealth.org/?id=1045&sid=1
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 8,058 Member
    I've had exercise induced amenorrhea when I was training for a full marathon many years ago. My body fat was very low at the time. Do see a doctor to be sure. Amenorrhea has other health implications for bone density and hormone levels.
  • bonedaddyds
    bonedaddyds Posts: 25 Member
    If you google 'exercise amenorrhea' you can read about it. 35-40 minutes a day usually wouldn't cause it, I don't think. Is your body fat level low? Do you have excess weight to lose? What is your BMI? Do you eat a nutritious diet? If you're eating at a high deficit and don't have the body fat to support it, I think it can happen then, too.

    http://www.vcuhealth.org/?id=1045&sid=1

    I do have excess weight to lose - I'm at 23% body fat and weight about 135lbs depending on the day. I eat a very well balanced and nutritious diet that is lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and some nuts and fruit. So I am eating at a deficit but I know I have more fat to lose and muscle to gain.

    I'll read a little more in to exercise amenorrhea, thank you!

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