PCOS and exercise question

  • I have a question for those who have dealt with PCOS for a while.
    Usually my period is triggered when I lose 10lbs~ happens every time. Then I will have it maybe next month and then nothing unless I lose more weight.
    My question is: I have started working out and lost 6lbs before the weight loss stopped, but I have continued working out. My period has been trying to start for a week and a half, but so far it's not fully 'happened'. Can anyone tell me what's going on?
  • Your body is probably insulin resistant and when that happens, you're hormones are a little out of whack. Your pancreas controls some of your reproductive hormones and it's all interrelated. The body is an amazing thing.

    The more weight that you lose, the easier it is on your pancreas and it helps the IR. That's probably why you're seeing your body respond to the weight loss -- your body suddenly realizes it can send the right amount of hormones that cause you to get your period.

    I've found the same thing, but also with carbs. When I'm exercising and eating well, I know I will get my period. When I don't, that month I don't get my period.

    I hope that helps. If I find the studies, I'll come back and mention how to find them (I can't post links yet).
  • I know for me, there are months that I feel my body is going through the "period mode" but nothing happens.

    Good for you for exercising- it's very good for PCOS! Even if your weight has stalled don't give it up!

    I'm not sure what else you are doing but I know if I eat too many carbs my loss slows or basically stops, I fill my days with a lot of lean meat and veggies, some whole grains, and a bit of fruit as well- I basically do the SBD and it's the only thing that has worked and stuck for me. I may plateau now and then BUT it's still coming off.
  • I can only tell you my experience. I have no idea why it happened this way. I was averaging a period every four months or so. (Had gone as many as nine) As doctors predict, I got a period with a 5% weight loss, exactly. The next two or three were regular, then I started exercising and skipped one.

    No idea why! But ever since then I've been as regular as I ever have been...which is to say anywhere from 28 days to 40 days. But not longer than that.
  • Also (learned this from an infertility seminar) exercise can have an effect on your period too. If you are working out hard, it can mess around with things. They did a study and found out that women that ran (even without PCOS) had periods less frequently. So I think there is something to working out hard. :P
  • I have a sister that loves research and is a nurse. She is one of the main people i turn to for PCOS advice. She recommened that I do more weight training than cardio. The reason being that muscle tissue helps with the IR. I now weight train 4 times a week and cardio 2-3 (sometimes i need a day off...lol). I have seen waaaaaay better results from this routine.