Question for the ladies
jessicagrieshaber
Posts: 167 Member
Have any of you ladies out there lost your cycle due to your induced fitness schedule? I have always worked out a lot - grew up a soccer player and a runner. When I was in college (within the last four years) I began running a lot and strength training a few times a week. In January of 2013 I had my last period. I have tried to increase calories and decrease exercise. I've seen the gyno and a nutritionist but can't seem to get it to come back.
Anyone else out there go through this? I'm starting to get worried as it's now been 2.5 years. Any help or advice that anyone can offer would be great. Thanks.
Anyone else out there go through this? I'm starting to get worried as it's now been 2.5 years. Any help or advice that anyone can offer would be great. Thanks.
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Replies
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What did the drs say? Have you seen a fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist usually)? Have you had blood tests, u/s?0
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I've read that sweet potatoes and juicing carrots ( like 5 to 10 pounds a day) can mimic oestrogens in menopausal women and sort out problems they have associated with that. Idk how that would work for you but it couldn't hurt to try.0
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Have your vitamin D level tested. I was very irregular until I started taking 5000IUS/daily of vit. D. My cycle was like clockwork for 3 years. I'm about to go to the dr and have it retested, b/c I'm irregular again. I've lost some fat over the last few months; I think the lower body fat might be throwing it off this time. The other suggestions I got from MFP were to check my diet to see if I was consuming enough fat.0
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2.5 years with no period. I would say get back to the doctor ASAP and get a blood test done. They will be able to check your thyroid levels, sugar levels, white & red blood cells etc. I didn't have a period but only for 7 months. I was working out a lot & eating super healthy and lost a bit of weight.
Has your weight changed drastically in the last 2.5 years?
How many calories are you consuming a day? How many times do you workout a week?
Make sure your diet is consisting of healthy fruit & veg, lots of good fats, protein etc0 -
doctor
2.5 years of Amenorrhoea? Has early menopause been ruled out?0 -
Yeah it could be early menopause, but why wouldn't a doctor have checked this? Absence of period for any reason leads to bone loss, it's not a "benign" condition. A doctor should have checked your hormone levels and your bone density. Early menopause comes with a higher risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, it's not something to be ignored. And absence of period due to extremely low levels of fat also leads to bone loss and osteoporosis. Ask for more tests.0
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not being a serious athelete I cannot speak from personal experience, but I do know a few that are marathoners or were seriously active in sports like swimming and they did not get their periods.
that being said, it's always good to check with the dr regarding health questions0 -
Any idea what your body fat % might be? It's fairly common for female athletes with very low BF% to stop menstruating, I think the general average is around 10% but there will be individual variations.
If you are one of those women who just tends to carry less fat and more lean mass, you may have decreased your BF% below your personal threshold for menstruation.0 -
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jessicagrieshaber wrote: »
Well as you haven't had a period for 2 and a half years it is certainly something that should be followed up medically by a doctor
because that's not good
even if you believe it's exercise / diet induced I would still be getting tested
Even Wiki has a decent amount of info on it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenorrhoea
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no it can't
it is 'natural and normal' for women once having established to menses to continue to have them up to menopause
cessation of periods is concerning and should ALWAYS be looked into0 -
whatwhatever wrote: »I've read that sweet potatoes and juicing carrots ( like 5 to 10 pounds a day) can mimic oestrogens in menopausal women and sort out problems they have associated with that. Idk how that would work for you but it couldn't hurt to try.
5-10 pounds of carrots a day?
That seems like it could cause more problems than it solves, and wouldn't leave much room for any other nutrients.
Or did you mean 5-10 carrots?0 -
cessation of periods is concerning and should ALWAYS be looked into
yes it should be looked into but it is not necessarily unnatural to lose your period for a bit while you ramp up your fitness level. or if you are a very fit active person
mine is significantly lighter and dr said it's natural and do not worry. (but I did ask my dr about)
the key is to ask your dr if it's ok. because the loss of your period can be a sign of something not good.
and we do not need to have our periods every month.0 -
I have PCOS so I can go a very long time between periods but when I go more than 6 months my doctor induces a period because not having a period can lead to a lot of problems (although if you are not having periods because of certain kinds of birth controls, like the Mirena, then not having a periods is ok.) The lining of your uterus builds up which leads to an increased risk of cancer. You really need to have your hormone levels checked ASAP. See a reproductive endocrinologist.0
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:kamakazeekim wrote: »I have PCOS so I can go a very long time between periods but when I go more than 6 months my doctor induces a period because not having a period can lead to a lot of problems (although if you are not having periods because of certain kinds of birth controls, like the Mirena, then not having a periods is ok.) The lining of your uterus builds up which leads to an increased risk of cancer. You really need to have your hormone levels checked ASAP. See a reproductive endocrinologist.
or start with your regular dr
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The longest I've gone without a period was 4 months. That was due to my PCOS and being obese at the time. Now I don't miss any. In fact my cycle is now only 24 days which is a pain in the balls. LOL0
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See your doctor, there could be any number of things hiding behind you not having your period. The only times I've not had mine is when I was pregnant or breast feeding. Please be checked out. Are you over stressed or something? Did you change you diet drastically? Please see a doctor!0
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Jessica - please quantify "running a lot."
Also, when is the last time you saw your GYN and what did he or she say was causing the cessation?0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »
all my drs ever
here is one survey/study
another, please refer to the study, not the blog.
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I run 30-35 miles a week generally. It's my stress relief. And I saw my GYN last year, they gave me a progesterone pill that didn't bring back my period and also an ultrasound to check my uterus lining which was also fine. They said I just exercise a lot.kshama2001 wrote: »Jessica - please quantify "running a lot."
Also, when is the last time you saw your GYN and what did he or she say was causing the cessation?
My main concern is that was only after roughly one year of not having a period. Now it's been 2.5 and I don't want to induce permanent damage.
Which doctor should I see? My GYN? A general physician? An endocrinologist?0 -
cessation of periods is concerning and should ALWAYS be looked into
yes it should be looked into but it is not necessarily unnatural to lose your period for a bit while you ramp up your fitness level. or if you are a very fit active person
mine is significantly lighter and dr said it's natural and do not worry. (but I did ask my dr about)
the key is to ask your dr if it's ok. because the loss of your period can be a sign of something not good.
and we do not need to have our periods every month.
OP states she hasn't had her period in 2.5 years.
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jessicagrieshaber wrote: »
I run 30-35 miles a week generally. It's my stress relief. And I saw my GYN last year, they gave me a progesterone pill that didn't bring back my period and also an ultrasound to check my uterus lining which was also fine. They said I just exercise a lot.kshama2001 wrote: »Jessica - please quantify "running a lot."
Also, when is the last time you saw your GYN and what did he or she say was causing the cessation?
My main concern is that was only after roughly one year of not having a period. Now it's been 2.5 and I don't want to induce permanent damage.
Which doctor should I see? My GYN? A general physician? An endocrinologist?
your gyn. they are in charge of the health of that part of your body0 -
strong_curves wrote: »
cessation of periods is concerning and should ALWAYS be looked into
yes it should be looked into but it is not necessarily unnatural to lose your period for a bit while you ramp up your fitness level. or if you are a very fit active person
mine is significantly lighter and dr said it's natural and do not worry. (but I did ask my dr about)
the key is to ask your dr if it's ok. because the loss of your period can be a sign of something not good.
and we do not need to have our periods every month.
OP states she hasn't had her period in 2.5 years.
and it could be normal for her body, but she should still see the dr. to be sure.
all I've been saying is don't panic but get it checked out.0 -
jessicagrieshaber wrote: »
I run 30-35 miles a week generally. It's my stress relief. And I saw my GYN last year, they gave me a progesterone pill that didn't bring back my period and also an ultrasound to check my uterus lining which was also fine. They said I just exercise a lot.kshama2001 wrote: »Jessica - please quantify "running a lot."
Also, when is the last time you saw your GYN and what did he or she say was causing the cessation?
My main concern is that was only after roughly one year of not having a period. Now it's been 2.5 and I don't want to induce permanent damage.
Which doctor should I see? My GYN? A general physician? An endocrinologist?
As I have a lot of hormonal problems and they were worse when I was around your age, the general rule given to me by all fertility specialists, endocrinologists and ob gyns is that if 45 days have passed since your last period, then it is time to talk to a dr. This was even with a diagnosis that explained the problem. At this point, talk to a reproductive endocrinologist, unfortunately you are currently suffering from infertility, so it is not something the average general practicioner or even ob gyn knows how to deal with. Definitely not normal and not ok, even if it can be explained by overtraining, amenorrhea still has risks, such as increased risk of infertility (even when the cause is removed) and increased risk of osteoporosis.0 -
jessicagrieshaber wrote: »Have any of you ladies out there lost your cycle due to your induced fitness schedule? I have always worked out a lot - grew up a soccer player and a runner. When I was in college (within the last four years) I began running a lot and strength training a few times a week. In January of 2013 I had my last period. I have tried to increase calories and decrease exercise. I've seen the gyno and a nutritionist but can't seem to get it to come back.
Anyone else out there go through this? I'm starting to get worried as it's now been 2.5 years. Any help or advice that anyone can offer would be great. Thanks.
When I was a teenager, my cycles began every 21 days and lasted 10 days (sometimes longer); except when I was a cheerleader - that seemed to help with the heavy flow and cramps that would keep me out of school at least once or twice a month as well. My period was so heavy once; that my mother took me to an OB/GYN. Worst experience of my lifetime, wasn't prepared for what would be the 'exam'. Totally embarrassed me in front of my mother - who ended up telling him a mouthful about why I was there. Family MD said she ought to raise my feet; and she told him that I'd be 'dead by morning' if she did; ergo the visit to the OB/GYN on a Sunday.
However, at your age, I would definitely see a specialist about not having periods for that length of time; not just some OB/GYN. I don't think there is a 'magical' age where you go through menopause; it can happen at any time. All the exercising you do can make a difference in your cycles. Better to find out as soon as you can; before you start attempting to have children (naturally) if you are married or about to be. IMHO. I had a total hysterectomy at the age of 35 (after having 2 children and losing one). I had Endometrioses and fibroids and was still having cycles that came every 21 days.
Maybe cut back drastically - on the exercising some and see if you start, or at least start spotting some, either way - go to a specialist.0 -
I haven't read all the comments here, but I just wanted to share what I went through. I started getting my cycles when I was 15. I got it regularly for 2 years. Then I went without getting anything for 2 years. I finally went in and found out that I have PCOS. I would go back in and check with a doctor. I am sure they can help you figure out what is wrong.0
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hi, I'm a former elite gymnast and an advanced certified personal trainer. Here's my expert advice to you:
You mentioned that your doctor gave you progesterone. Weird because progesterone will shrink your ovaries and prevent you from having your period.
Some causes for not having your cycle:
ovaries not cycling estrogen correctly or producing too much progesterone
not enough fat in the diet to create hormones
early menopause
you are bleeding lightly for 1 - 3 days but so light you are not noticing it (try wearing an Instead to occasionally look for bleeding)
cancer of the uterus or cervix
endometriosis
Some considerations for you:
Go get blood work to see if you are copper, iron, or B vitamin deficient. About a $25 test at any walk in lab.
If you wish to see a doctor, go to an endocrinologist.
personally, it seems to me you just need to add some omega 3 EFAs to your diet. An athlete of your physique and activity level would have a very light period of about 3 days, with only one day of "heavy" bleeding. About 2 ounces of bleeding total is typical for an athlete like you. EFAs are necessary for the body to produce hormones, your chemical messengers.
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jessicagrieshaber wrote: »
I run 30-35 miles a week generally. It's my stress relief. And I saw my GYN last year, they gave me a progesterone pill that didn't bring back my period and also an ultrasound to check my uterus lining which was also fine. They said I just exercise a lot.kshama2001 wrote: »Jessica - please quantify "running a lot."
Also, when is the last time you saw your GYN and what did he or she say was causing the cessation?
My main concern is that was only after roughly one year of not having a period. Now it's been 2.5 and I don't want to induce permanent damage.
Which doctor should I see? My GYN? A general physician? An endocrinologist?
Even back when I was running 40-50mpw and strength training and eating well I didn't have this kind of problem. I'm gonna chime in with the chorus of "see your dr. again please"0
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