A private question for the ladies!

Ever since I started losing weight, my period has been affected a lot by it. I went from 4 days to 2-3 days and a large decrease in the amount as well. I also notice that it's late every month. This month I'm a whole week over due.
Has anyone else experienced this and know the reasons behind it?
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Replies

  • servilia
    servilia Posts: 3,452 Member
    I assume you're in a healthy weight range. I haven't experienced that. It could be just your hormones adjusting although if you're still in a healthy range it really shouldn't be affected. Could it be a coincidence? But if your weight loss was drastic and you're not eating enough then it could be messing with your system.
  • Linli_Anne
    Linli_Anne Posts: 1,360 Member
    A whole lot can play into this.

    I can't see your diary, but, if you are severely restricting your calorie intake, over exercising, don't really have much weight to lose but think you need to get to a certain number etc. These can all have an affect on your cycle.

    I would recommend charting your cycle length, flow etc. for a few months and if you are concerned talk to a GYN or your doctor.
  • kasslass2
    kasslass2 Posts: 337 Member
    If you are getting really fit or losing a lot of weight it will effect your cycles. It should level out once you level out.
  • 37434958
    37434958 Posts: 457 Member
    Me tooo!!! My period lasted obly 5 days! It is usually 9 days..
  • imchicbad
    imchicbad Posts: 1,650 Member
    Can't say that I have.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    You should ask your doctor but I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm 20 years old and I never even started menstruating. My body is otherwise developed but I think I've always been high testosterone/low estrogen since I have slightly broader shoulders, narrow hips, and a deeper voice. My gyno said there's no medical need to menstruate and that I shouldn't worry about it.
  • AhlaWahda
    AhlaWahda Posts: 189 Member
    Yes, I'm in a healthy weight range and no where near underweight which I know effects the cycle.
    I'm 125,7 and 5'6". I eat around 1,300-1,500 most days so I'm not starving myself. Working out 4-5 days a week.
    I only have about 6 lbs left to lose. I don't know if maybe this effects my cycle and if so, in what way?
    I hope there's nothing wrong with me..
  • Factory_Reset
    Factory_Reset Posts: 1,651 Member
    Nope. Never.
  • Lainny21
    Lainny21 Posts: 106 Member
    I'm not sure either...I've been regular for the last 3 months....but last fall I didn't have a period at all for 3 months. O.o
  • Alex_is_Hawks
    Alex_is_Hawks Posts: 3,499 Member
    only way to know is to see a doctor.

    you said you are eating 1300-1400 and exercising...are you eating back exercise cals? that affects your actual consumption numbers.

    just curious....but really if you are concerned, see a doctor.

    and yes my cycle was affected by my weight loss and yes I saw a doctor and no they weren't concerned but that is *MY* situation.
  • ShannonS2714
    ShannonS2714 Posts: 135 Member
    Your workouts can play a part in it, as well as the weight loss itself. It's not unusual. I agree with a previous poster, log it every month (length, flow, etc) for a few months and then talk to your Gyn about it.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Are you on a VLCD or underweight or underfat? I think loss of menstruation is one of the side effects.
  • icyeyes317
    icyeyes317 Posts: 226 Member
    Stress.

    I don't mean the 'typical' definition that people think of.

    I did not have a period the ENTIRE time I was in boot camp...8 weeks....nor did I have one for the first 8 weeks of tech school.
    (I was like clockwork before that).

    When I finally did, it wasn't very heavy. Different/new/demanding/challenging programs can affect your hormone balances. This is a new thing for you. Once you get to your 'goal' and are in a maintenance mode, if you are still worried, talk to your doctor (gyn preferably...since they know their way around our junk).

    added: Before I went to boot camp, I was in excellent physical shape. Boot camp took me to a whole new level of it.
  • Fozzi43
    Fozzi43 Posts: 2,984 Member
    When I started exercising more than normal, mine stopped but came back after a month or two.
  • Sweet_Gurl_Next_Door
    Sweet_Gurl_Next_Door Posts: 735 Member
    not yet I would love to experince this with mine. I tend to go longer and heavier sad to say.
  • staciedee10
    staciedee10 Posts: 90 Member
    Yes, it has affected me in the past as well. Keep up with the cycle with a journal so next time you see your OBGYN, you can tell them about it. ;-)
  • Yup... I'm down to 1-2 days of low flow. As long as I'm not pregnant... I don't really see any reason to complain about it!
  • I was sixteen and still hadn't started my periods and I asked my doctor and she said that women who work out a lot/who have a lot of muscle tone usually experience either a late start or a slowed cycle if the exercise routine starts after they've already started their periods. I wouldn't worry about it too much, but it might be different for everyone, so I would talk to your doctor anyways :)
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    Sounds like a dream come true....
  • yeah since i started my cycle is completely screwed! not sure if it is diet or what, but i'm now at 40 days per cycle - sometimes even longer!
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member
    I used to be heavy heavy for 7 days, every 30. To the point where I couldn't go swimming, jogging, walking... anything. Had horrible cramps too.

    Now... I'm 28 days (almost to the hour), no cramps, and totally can live my life! OMG a life with a 'manageable' flow is soooo much better! LOVE IT!
  • phonepest
    phonepest Posts: 43
    Have never been regular...I'm very overweight....had gastric bypass, skipped that month, but as I lose weight, I'm becoming totally predictable!
  • ddeleonm09
    ddeleonm09 Posts: 93 Member
    Oh yes, my period has changed a lot. My period is usually about 4 days and it's gone down to 1 1/2 days. It's very normal for your period to fluctuate. As long as you know you are eating correctly and you aren't overtraining, then I wouldn't worry about it. If it causes you any pain, severe cramping, etc then I would suggest to see an OB/GYN.
  • adudu
    adudu Posts: 17
    Try to see the Doctor. Or if you just start on birth control, that maybe the reason but mostly it is nothing to worry about.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    When I'm working out regularly- I'm 3-4 days. If I'm not working out- it'll be 4-6. So annoying- great motivation to keep working out.

    God- I need a hysterectomy.
  • Jennybebop
    Jennybebop Posts: 8 Member
    I've had this happen and talked to my doctor about it. He said it's pretty common to experience fluctuations like that. Our bodies are complex and sensitive machines and any change; weight loss/gain, changes in physical activity, diet, stress, can all play a part in cycles. He advised me monitor it and log it so we can watch for significant/important changes. And that it would likely regulate itself - and he was right, it did. While I suspect it's nothing to worry about, you should still talk to a doctor about it. Always best to go to the pros.
  • ddeleonm09
    ddeleonm09 Posts: 93 Member
    If it bothers you too much, then you can also try birth control pills, patch, or ring to regulate your period.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    GET THEE TO A DOCTOR
  • CristinaL1983
    CristinaL1983 Posts: 1,119 Member
    not yet I would love to experince this with mine. I tend to go longer and heavier sad to say.

    Since I've been losing weight, it's longer between my cycles (32 days instead of 28) but it lasts for 10-14 days each time. I don't know why, my doc wasn't concerned. My hormone levels are all fine and that stuff is apparently in that range of normal. :grumble:

    Oh and as for the boot camp thing, I literally had a period all 9 weeks I was there. I wish my body would just shut that down when I get stressed, apparently it does the opposite. :mad:
  • taylorckt1
    taylorckt1 Posts: 263 Member
    I have alwa been like clockwork and continue to be...the change has come with less bloating, decreased lower back pain, and decreased flow (I flowed extremely heavy prior to dropping pounds)...The doctor explained to me a long time ago that the more fat my body carries, the more estrogen I (we) produce which in turns causes heavier and longer cycles...

    As we begin to eat healthier and reduce body fat, our harmone levels are returning to "normal" and our bodies must and will readjust themselves.

    Hope this sheds some light.