Although intense exercise can help you get in shape for a sport or activity, it can also cause your menstrual periods to stop. The condition, called exercise-induced amenorrhea, occurs when rigorous exercise changes hormone secretions that control menstruation and bone development. Reducing exercise can help if you have exercise-induced amenorrhea, although you might need special treatment to reduce the risk of bone loss.
Identification
Too much exercise can result in decreased production of estrogen and progesterone, the female hormones needed for normal menstruation. Occasional exercise or even daily moderate exercise will not cause exercise-induced amenorrhea. The condition only occurs when exercise is particularly lengthy or very intense. The chance that you will develop the condition varies depending on the type and amount of exercise, and the rapidity of increase in exercise, reports Michelle P. Warren, M.D., on the UpToDate website.
Risk Factors
The condition usually arises in highly competitive athletes who train daily and intensify their exercise routine in preparation for a major event, according to Virginia Commonwealth University. While any athlete can be affected, long-distance runners, ice skaters, ballerinas, swimmers, divers and gymnasts are at particular risk. Participating in a sport that places an emphasis on dieting and maintaining a relatively low weight can also increase the risk that you will develop the condition. Failing to eat sufficient amounts of foods containing calories, proteins, vitamins and other nutrients can damage bones.
Symptoms
Menstrual periods may stop completely or be irregular if you have exercise-induced amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea occurs if you’ve never had a period, while secondary amenorrhea happens if your period stops after normal monthly menstruation has already occurred. Symptoms occur during a time when you are involved in rigorous exercise. Weight loss might also occur, particularly if you don’t eat enough food to offset the calories lost through exercise. Girls and women who have the condition might not develop secondary sexual characteristics, such as pubic hair and breasts, on schedule. The combination of not eating enough and the reduction of the normal production of hormones can affect the bones, causing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs when bones weaken and lose density. Bone might also fail to form properly, particularly if you develop exercise-induced amenorrhea during adolescence. Stress fractures and fractures of the hips or spinal column can occur because of the condition.
Treatment
Cutting back on exercise and eating more can help the menstrual cycle resume, although your periods might not start again for six months or longer after you change your exercise and eating habits. Your doctor may suggest that you meet with a dietician, who will develop a diet plan for you. If your periods start but are irregular, your doctor might recommend that you take oral contraceptives to regulate your cycle. Hormone treat might also be recommended, along with calcium and vitamin D supplements to improve bone health.
