TOM and training

sphares

Hi. I did a quick search on this and didn't find anyone in my situation. I'm training for some triathlons this summer and have been doing some 5Ks the last few weekends. It seems a lot of women's TOMs stop while they are training. But not me. I seem to be having them every other week! Ugh!

The problem is that it affects my training. I have one really good week, then it's all I can do to even workout the next week. I can tell TOM is coming because the scale starts going up, then I spend the next week losing it, gain it back the next, etc. I can't run, bike or swim as fast either. I just don't feel like I'm getting ahead at all.

I have a call into my doctor to see what options I may have. I don't really want to do BC (I have no need for it other than regulating TOM), but wondering if it's worth it for the summer, or even using one where I can skip TOM until fall. Has anyone else had this issue? Thanks in advance!

SandersWifey

I don't have this issue. But I have been on BC for years and it has really helped my TOM. The cramps and bloating are way less and my TOM only lasts 3-4 days. For me it is a good regualtor. Hope you find something that helps!

almondbliss

I feel weak when I have my TOM and this time I thought I would try something different and started taking iron supplements to help with the weakness and so far it's seemed to have helped.

brandiuntz

Not exactly your situation, but when my TOM was very heavy and too often, I did BC for awhile to regulate it. My problem ultimately was hypothyroidism. Once that was treated, my TOM became normal. I still have bloating and some weight gain, but I can workout and get through that one week. :happy:

Definitely talk to your doctor, but I see no harm in doing BC to get you through til the triathlons.

fteale

Mine have got more frequent since I started running, my cycle has gone from 28 to 24 days, which is very irritating! I am definitely a lot slower just before and during.

sphares

Thanks everyone! I may try an iron supplement to see if that helps some. I used to have horrible TOMs but was on BC for years and now I really don't have symptoms except what I stated previously.

I already take thyroid meds for hypothyroidism and that's pretty much regulated at this point. Last year when I was having 14-17 days cycles (which I'm now realizing was probably due to training) my doctor put me on a progesterone supplement. I don't really think it helped though.

Will definitely talk to my doctor this week, but wanted to see what options I might have.