Hey everyone...I guess this is mainly a question for fellow women runners. I didn't have my period last month (So I guess I'm about 2-3 weeks late). There is no chance that I am pregnant...so could it be from the running? The weird thing is, I havent really increased my mileage. I have been running between 20 and 30 miles each week (for the past few years). I did just move to a new location, though, for school and have been under a lot of stress. That could also be the reason for the irregular periods. Any advice? Should I cut back on running? I would feel bad about having to do so, because the running has been a great way to blow off steam..Has this happened to any of you? Do you have any suggestions? Im sure a doctor would be able to tell me more.
Hi there! :wavey: How old are you if you don't mind my asking? Are you just running or doing other exercing as well?
Have your diet or medications changed any?
I'm 20, and there arent many changes in diet other than the fact that I dont have the luxury of home cooking while at school. I could clean out the fridge! Now I rely on the cafeteria (where I mainly live off of burritos, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, and baked potatoes), but I wonder if that is enough. Maybe thats the problem? Not enough nutritional content? :?
and no medication.
Are you lifting weights? Is your body fat percentage low?
yes, I lift light weights twice a week, and I assume my body fat percentage is low. I have never checked to see what it was though.
I have known some younger girls like you to have irregular periods due to low body fat, something about hormones? Stress can also cause irregular periods. See what happens this month is my suggestion.
I will check and see what happens. Thank you for all of your help!
If your body weight is on the low end (which, we know, running does) or has dropped at all in the last few months, your periods can become irregular. Hormones work with fat, and as there is less in your body, well...Anyway, it is called amenorrhea--absence of periods. Its not abnormal, but I also don't think its great for you as it can lead to weaker bones, and you don't want to end up with a stress fracture or something.
Also I think you're onto something with the food...When I was in college, 18-19, I had some trouble with nutrition as well. Its tough to find anything decent in the midst of a cafeteria full of cheese fries, pizza and fro-yo, I feel your pain. Do you drink milk? Perhaps making sure to get a glass or two per day would help.
If it keeps up (ie, no period next month too) you should probably just give a heads up to your doctor, just to make sure its not something more serious going on.
Also I think you're onto something with the food...When I was in college, 18-19, I had some trouble with nutrition as well. Its tough to find anything decent in the midst of a cafeteria full of cheese fries, pizza and fro-yo, I feel your pain. Do you drink milk? Perhaps making sure to get a glass or two per day would help.
If it keeps up (ie, no period next month too) you should probably just give a heads up to your doctor, just to make sure its not something more serious going on.
I will definately remember to drink more milk. And if no period comes within the next month or so I am going to check in with my doctor. My period has usually been slightly irregular (one week early or late) but never quite like this. Thanks again for your advice!
thank you everybody for the advice. my period is back to normal. :) and i'm very thankful. I think it must have been due to low body fat, because I bought some almonds and cashews and kept snacking on them, and shortly after that my period came back. I am going to keep buying those!