(excessive) exercise affect menstrual cycle?

Question

Since 2nd July up til 22nd July, i exercise about 2-5 hours almost everyday 3-5 days/week.

AM - briskwalk, cycle and rowing (1 hour altogether)
sometimes do weight lifting ( another 1 hour)

PM - Aerobic class/es (1 hour - 2 hours), then do more
briskwalk,cycle, rowing (and sometimes swimming) (1 hour)


*before JULY - i have NEVER EXERCISED.
- My diet changed since 2nd JULY - high carbs to low carbs, high protein and low fat.


my period should be around the 15th of July. I did not have sex at all.

Do u think that i am overdoing my exercise? and usually i have regular period cycle (25-45 days).. could the exercise explain the reason y i havnt got my period til now? npw is the 4th of july.

Answer 1

Excessive exersise will definately change the menstrual cycle. So will any other stressors to the body. Exercise is the most common stressor, especially if you did not do any of it before. I had this happen to me... everything just quit in the order of menstrual cycles. I occasionally got spotting, but that was it.

It is not unhealthy to exercise, but it does seem that going from no exercise to what you are doing now is a pretty big stressor, but not an unhealthy one. Once your body gets used to the changes that you are doing, things will probably return to almost normal, except with two benefits... exercise reduces cramps and backpain!

I would recommend that you keep to what you are currently doing and not add anything else until things get back to normal. If you are really concerned, talk to a doctor, preferrably a gynecologist, not someone on here.

Also, keep in mind that other things still work just fine, don't think that not getting your period means that you are sterile by ANY means. If you don't want to get pregnant and do want to have sex, use some form of birth control.

Answer 2

It is common for competitive exercisers to have their periods disrupted or stop completely. There are many things that can affect your menstrual cycle. Diet, Exercise, Stress, Emotionally and Physically. So if you have all of a sudden changed your body's habits and now are causing a lot of stress to it, then it would be perfectly normal for your period to change. I would say that you are fine. If your cycle does not regulate itself after a few months, I would recommend seeing your personal physician.

Answer 3

I'd bet a million dollars that that is why you are late. A change in exercise, diet and weight loss can delay a period.
It sounds like alot of exercise to me. Why the sudden change?

Answer 4

When I exercise like that my period stops too. Your body isn't used to all of that and is freaking out. Don't worry, it will come around after a while. (I kind of liked the fact that it didn't come around as often;)