Can heavy exercise delay your periods?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Your period, like your heart rate or pulse, may provide you a window into what's going on within your body and a hint that all of its systems are functioning properly. Estrogen insufficiency can be indicated by irregular periods, lengthier cycles, lightening or ceasing of flow, or any combination of these symptoms. 

A woman's period might be delayed or stopped for a variety of reasons, including intense exercise and rapid weight loss, particularly if she is not living a healthy lifestyle. Missing periods can be caused by strenuous physical activity. A lot of exercise may block the signals that the brain sends to the ovaries and uterus to tell that it is time for a period.

When you start exercising heavily and consistently, your body might undergo a lot of changes. Muscle aches, weight loss, and increased strength can happen. You might not anticipate it, but consistent exercise can also alter your menstrual cycle. Depending on how your body responds to your increased exercise level, the changes might be mild or severe. Four of the most typical impacts exercise might have on your period are covered in this article. Your hormone levels might fluctuate subtly as a result of regular exercise. These conflicting hormonal signals can cause the wall of your uterus to randomly shed, which results in breakthrough bleeding. Vaginal bleeding that occurs in between periods is known as breakthrough bleeding. You might have heard this described as spotting. In general, exercise is excellent for you. However, some women may have menstrual cycle disruption due to the stress that vigorous exercise causes on their bodies. The part of your brain called the hypothalamus is responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle. Your ovaries and pituitary gland get hormonal signals from it, which in turn cause ovulation. You won't ovulate if something that stresses your body, like strenuous exercise or rapid weight reduction, interferes with this connection. You won't get your period if you don't ovulate since the modifications that cause menstruation won't take place. Activity-induced amenorrhea is the absence of periods caused by vigorous exercise. This is a common occurrence for young athletes, particularly those who are consuming very little.

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You may attain your fitness goals without affecting your period by exercising in a moderate or sufficient amount.