Should I exercise so much that my period stops?
Reader Nora writes:
I was recently told that if a woman exercises enough, she will stop menstruating. I can understand that but I have a diseased called endometriosis which is an obscure term for “really painful cramps” (not really but that’s a major problem amongst other things). Someone just advised me to start exercising so much that I no long have a period to bypass the monthly cramps. Somehow I don’t feel like this is a really healthy thing to do, maybe I’m wrong. I just wanted to hear your take on it. Too much exercise or seemingly valid advice?
I just got this question and had to answer it right away. It might seem ridiculous to some of you, but if it’s a misconception that’s out there, let’s put it to rest. Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and not qualified to give medical advice. But I do know one thing: The person who told you that overexercising causes some women to stop menstruating is absolutely right. However, it’s extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs! Overexercising to the point of ceasing menstruation is called exercise amenorrhea…
I’m really surprised that this answer didn’t mention that amemorrhea is also one of the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa. It’s also part of the female athlete triad, along with bone weakness (including stress fractures, osteopenia (early stages of osteoperosis, and osteoperosis), and disordered eating.
Ceasing to menstruate will only cause more health problems-IT WILL NOT SOLVE ANYTHING. If your symptoms are so severe that you would even consider such an extreme action, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. You may also want to suggest that the person who gave you this appalling advice speak to their own doctor. If they are laboring under the misapprehension that extreme exercise will cure anything, they may well be in need of medical attention of their own.
And women, SERIOUSLY, if you start menstruating increasingly infrequently or stop altogether, SEE A DOCTOR. The long-term repercussions far outweigh any possible immediate benefits (this includes skinny jeans). SERIOUSLY.
5 months ago