I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to post this message in or not, but...here goes.
I haven't had my period since mid November 2009. I've missed the last four months (will be five soon) and am wondering if I might be exercising too much? To give an idea of my schedule:
I'm currently doing ChaLEAN Extreme (week three of the Push phase). So, strength training (circuits - about 30 minutes) using resistance tubing on Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday mornings. I do the advanced Fluidity Bar routine Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. On Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings I do a 20 minute Turbo Jam video, followed by Level 1 of the 30 Day Shred (Jillian Michaels, circuit training) with 5 lb. weights. Add to this the occasional 15 minute jaunt on an exercise bike 3 or so times a week.
So, I'm doing some form of circuit training with resistance 6 days per week. Is this okay? Am I not allowing my body proper rest by doing this?
I have a sedentary desk job and I consume an average of 1700 calories per day (I calorie cycle). I'm 5'7" and hit my goal weight (135) back in December. I upped my calories from a 1550/1600 daily average to 1700/1714. I've bounced around a bit on the scale - 132.6 has been my lowest weight, 136 my highest. Should I consider upping my calories a bit? The idea seriously scares me.
To give an idea of what I'm consuming M-F: I generally have an egg white omelet for breakfast (w/ spinach, tomato, mushroom, and onion or bell peppers, spinach, and onion). For lunch I usually have a chicken caesar salad (4 oz. chicken breast, romaine lettuce, whole grain croutons, parmesan cheese, and caesar dressing). Dinner varies quite a bit, but often includes either chicken or fish and brown rice with various vegetables (green beans, bell peppers, celery, carrots, peas). Snacks between meals and after dinner vary as well, but typically includes apples, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cereal, crackers with laughing cow cheese, and (when I have the spare calories ) blueberry waffles. I drink water only Monday through Friday (8-10 glasses) and have a few (2-3) sodas on the weekend (when I typically consume the not-so-good for you fast food). I'm trying for a 40 carb/30 protein/30 fat ratio.
So, ladies...any suggestions on mixing up/changing my exercise routine or diet? I don't really want to go the doctor (just plain don't want to, plus I'm not insured).
Edited to add: I have no history of missed periods. This has never happened to me before.
Last edited by LovelyComplex; 03-10-2010 at 06:02 PM.
You may want to check with your doctor regarding your periods. I too had similar situation and found out that I have PCOS. I hope you don't have that issue, but you would be better informed about the problem if you check with your doctor.
I did asked my doctor specifically that what would qualify as excessive exercise - she said more than 1 hour per day.
I've heard this can be normal for women who exercise a lot. Are you trying to get prego? If not, I'd enjoy the break. I have an IUD and for the last 4 years have had no period...but now with frequent hard workouts I now have periods...so who knows. I guess our bodies just freak out sometimes. If you feel great and have no other symptoms, then I wouldn't worry. If pregnancy is in your near future then I'd make a plan with the doc.
I'm about 5'3" and when I got below 115, I ceased getting my period for about 18 months. (I had an eating disorder with an exercise compulsion, that's how I managed that.) It didn't resume when I eased up on exercise, not until I'd gained about 20 pounds. At the time, the doctor said it was my low BMI rather than my activity level, and my experience seemed to bear that out. Don't know if that helps.
Everyone else in my life was more freaked out about it than I was. Frankly, I considered it convenient not to have to worry about the mess & the products & the bloating, cramps & weight gain -- which is probably not a healthy attitude, but I wasn't very sane back then, really.
Well your BMI is in normal range and that's usually what would **** with a period. I would take a pregnancy test (if you haven't already) and consider what birthcontrol you are using as well (I have the implant and my period goes missing sometimes I quite enjoy it when that happens). But yeah...Best go to the doctors because it could be a sign of something more serious and it's best to catch it early.
Also, congratulations on your weight loss and I'm in awe of how much exercise you do. I am so lazy compared to you!
I havent had a period since last July.... I even went on a 6 week long "REST" where i didnt train AT ALL-- still havent got it back....
To put it in its most simplest, basic terms--- Your body is stressed. VERY stressed. Stressed enough that all "unnecessary functions" have ceased in your body. Your body is smart enough to know that at this point in your l ife, RIGHT NOW, you have NO business supporting another life growing inside of you, because frankly your body cant even support itself.
Take it for what its worth, but know that the longer you go without your period, the more likely you are to *damage* your body.....more prone to stress fractures, early onset osteo problems, problems concieving (if you ever want to)..... The doctor can give you a 10 day round of progesterone to *induce* your period, but that doesnt mean it will continue again Regularly.
From the looks of your stats, it appears you have been dieting down for a LONG TIME...give your body a rest.... as SOON AS you start eating at maintanace you WILL GAIN BACK WATER WEIGHT. We are talking 5 ish pounds. This is your TRUE weight....that is the weight that freaks people out, because they think its fat. Its not. Try and remember WAY BACK to when you first started losing. You may have had an initial big drop the first week or so. That was the water coming off, and it WILL COME BACK. Accept it. You cant live your life in a deficit.
And FYI, as soon as i stopped obsessively exercising, i started dropping weight...FAST.... like 7 pounds in a matter of a week or two......
Google "Leigh Peele" and "Metabolic Repair Manual. It was written for women such as you and I.....
I don't think your level is excessive, but your body may react differently, so you definitely should see your doctor. There are A LOT of reasons that your body might skip a period that have nothing to do with your exercise levels. So talk to your doctor, both about your eating/exercise levels and anything else going on, and get this checked out.
this may be a silly question, but have you ruled out pregnancy? it's the first thing that comes to my mind when someone misses a period (or four).
Not a silly question at all! I should have mentioned that there was definitely no chance of pregnancy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by saef
Everyone else in my life was more freaked out about it than I was. Frankly, I considered it convenient not to have to worry about the mess & the products & the bloating, cramps & weight gain -- which is probably not a healthy attitude, but I wasn't very sane back then, really.
Honestly, I had the same thought for the first month or two. I was almost glad for the break. The longer it's gone on, though, the more I've started to worry.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dropkickmurphy
Also, congratulations on your weight loss and I'm in awe of how much exercise you do. I am so lazy compared to you!
Thank you! But don't put yourself down, fellow chick - you're not lazy! I am, if anything, a tad obsessed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mkroyer
I havent had a period since last July.... I even went on a 6 week long "REST" where i didnt train AT ALL-- still havent got it back....
To put it in its most simplest, basic terms--- Your body is stressed. VERY stressed. Stressed enough that all "unnecessary functions" have ceased in your body. Your body is smart enough to know that at this point in your l ife, RIGHT NOW, you have NO business supporting another life growing inside of you, because frankly your body cant even support itself.
Take it for what its worth, but know that the longer you go without your period, the more likely you are to *damage* your body.....more prone to stress fractures, early onset osteo problems, problems concieving (if you ever want to)..... The doctor can give you a 10 day round of progesterone to *induce* your period, but that doesnt mean it will continue again Regularly.
From the looks of your stats, it appears you have been dieting down for a LONG TIME...give your body a rest.... as SOON AS you start eating at maintanace you WILL GAIN BACK WATER WEIGHT. We are talking 5 ish pounds. This is your TRUE weight....that is the weight that freaks people out, because they think its fat. Its not. Try and remember WAY BACK to when you first started losing. You may have had an initial big drop the first week or so. That was the water coming off, and it WILL COME BACK. Accept it. You cant live your life in a deficit.
And FYI, as soon as i stopped obsessively exercising, i started dropping weight...FAST.... like 7 pounds in a matter of a week or two......
Google "Leigh Peele" and "Metabolic Repair Manual. It was written for women such as you and I.....
Thank you so much for this post, mkroyer. I've read through it a few times and everything you've said makes sense to me. I have indeed been dieting down for a very long time (since July 2007, when I joined 3FC), with only a very short break in 2008. The question of whether or not that might be/have been a bit much stress for my body has crossed my mind quite often in the past few months. I will definitely spend more time looking into Leigh Peele and her Metabolic Repair Manual. I only had a chance to skim through her site earlier today. Out of curiosity, have you ever used her Metabolic Repair Manual?
Ladies, thank you ALL very much for your kind words and suggestions. I appreciate both. I think a trip to the doctor is in my immediate future - just to be on the safe side.
Last edited by LovelyComplex; 03-11-2010 at 07:49 PM.
Lovely-- i actually JUST FINISHED her Metablic Repair Manual. 2 weeks ago? I dont want to post my life story here, but i can tell you it was probably the best gift i could have given myself...... would love to talk to you in more detail about it if you want....ive been working with Leigh Peele... she has a no-nonsense, no-BS approach to everything, so i apologize if i said anything a little too harshly!
I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner - hectic weekend! I would love to hear more about the Repair Manual and your experience. If you get a chance/have the time, please feel free to PM me.
I have PCOS. My periods are so irregluar its ridiculous. However I found out I have a thyroid condition. Anyway once I started changing my lifestyle and exercising, aunt flo decided to grace me with her presence!!!! So you never know!!!!
It's possible, but impossible without seeing the doctor.
I went down to 109lbs at 5'5 (yes, 109!) from too much exercise and too little food (no ED, just clueless as to how to get the athletic look). I still never lost my period, even getting down to 15% bodyfat (which is extremely low for women!). Even some female bodybuilders get down to 8-10% bodyfat and never lose their periods, but some women at 20-25% can lose it.
Our bodies just react so differently!
I haven't used Leigh Peele's book but I have heard nothing but good things about it.
Exercising too much? Missed periods.
) blueberry waffles. I drink water only Monday through Friday (8-10 glasses) and have a few (2-3) sodas on the weekend (when I typically consume the not-so-good for you fast food). I'm trying for a 40 carb/30 protein/30 fat ratio. 
I am, if anything, a tad obsessed. 
