Exercise and irregular periods
Exercise and irregular periods

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Exercise and irregular periods

Exercise and irregular periods

Irregular periods can be a sign of many different things, for example stress, too small an appetite, or obesity. However many women are not aware that exercise and irregular periods are also linked.

For example, if women undertake too much exercise they may easily find that they experience irregular periods. For some the idea of exercise and irregular periods may be a difficult concept to understand. However, it is a real problem for some serious athletes and women who suffer from exercise addiction.

What are irregular periods?

Exercise and irregular periods1It is very common for women to experience irregular periods. Although the menstrual cycle is called a cycle, making women think their periods should come at regular 28 day intervals, it is very common for a woman’s period to come seemingly at random. For some women they may only have a period once every two months, whilst others may experience a year where they only have one period.

How does exercise cause irregular periods?

Exercise and irregular periods are linked because the menstrual cycle is sensitive. They occur when women exercise too much and change their hormone balance. For example, too much exercise can result in estrogen dominance, which then means that women experience irregular periods. This is because menstruation is reliant on progesterone hormones and if women do not have enough progesterone hormones in their system they will not menstruate. As a consequence, they will experience irregular periods.

How can I prevent irregular periods because of exercise?

Although exercise is necessary for the health, women should restrict the amount they are doing. It is recommended to do moderate exercise for half an hour a week, five times a week. Even so a general guideline to follow is that if women experience exercise and irregular periods they need to exercise less.

There are also other healthy lifestyle tips that women can follow in order to regulate their periods, for example:

Exercise and irregular periods2• Eat a healthy and nutritious diet that is filled with healthy fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grain fibers, and good fats.

• Drink eight small glasses of water a day, alongside anti-toxicant drinks such as green tea and those containing acai berry.

• Sleep for the recommended seven to eight hours an evening.

• Don’t drink alcohol because the toxins in alcohol make it difficult for the body to work correctly.

• And don’t smoke.

Thus, although women should undertake exercise, because exercise and irregular periods are linked they should be careful about how often they exercise. Click the following link for more information about exercise and irregular periods.

Other Related Articles:
Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual Disorder and Acupuncture
Menstrual Cycle Problems and Regulation
Long Menstrual Cycles
Irregular periods for years

Sources:
  • Hutchinson, Susan M.D. "The Stages of a Woman's Life: Menstruation, Pregnancy, Nursing, Perimenopause, Menopause." November 2007.
  • Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
  • BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.