Long term results of not menstruating from exercise?

Question

I have heard that this is dangerous especially for your bones. I have not had my period for the last 6 months.

The problems associated with not having a period...can this be resolved if I take the pill and I menstruate? This is what the doctor recomended but I wanted to know the dangers of not having a period and whether the problems will be resolved by the pill which the doctor has already prescribed for me.

Answer 1

Estrogen helps you maintain the mineral content in your bones, so going without a period for a long time can lead to fractures and increase your chances of osteoporosis.

The Pill will help increase your estrogen levels, so you should get your period.

"Although some women deem amenorrhea as a desirable side effect of exercise because they no longer have to deal with the hassles and possible discomfort of monthly menstrual periods, others recognize absence of periods is linked with health problems: loss of calcium from the bones; almost a three times higher incidence of stress fractures (24% of athletes with no or irregular periods experience stress fractures as compared to only 9% of regularly menstruating athletes); long-term problems with osteoporosis starting at an early age. Amenorrhea can also interfere with the ability to conceive easily should the athlete want to start a family."
-- http://www.copacabanarunners.net/iameno.html

"Outside of preventing conception, one of the most important benefits of an oral contraceptive for the highly athletic woman may be its ability to treat amenorrhea, a condition where menstrual periods cease."
-- http://www.muscleandfitnesshers.com/health/8

Answer 2

If you're not menstruating, and there are no other problems that are causing this, it is likely you are too light for your frame. Elite athletes like runners and swimmers commonly stop menstruating when they are in training. Try gaining some weight (5 pounds might be all you need) and see if your period comes back.

DK

Answer 3

Usually it is from not eating enough so that you don't have enough body fat. Too much exercise can do it too, but you really have to not be eating also to get your body fat down that much usually.

It is not good to have a low body fat if you are not getting proper nutrition because it will affect not just your period and bones, but all your organs too. The body thinks it is starving and shuts down the cycle, but you can mess up your metabolism by doing that.

Answer 4

I'm not sure what has lead you to the fact that exercising is causing you not to menustrate. Many women exercise and do menustrate normally. If you have already talked to a doctor about your condition and are still coming here, I take it that you are not being truthful with your doctor. You need to get some help.

Answer 5

very very dangerous if you dont get ur period back...ull growth will be stunned and youll age faster. This isnt becuase of exercising but it could be becuase you're underweight...anorexic...or you over exercise.