GF Period question: has not had it in over a year

[bigbridrol]

Hey females,

GF has not had period in over a year. 22F 100lbs 5'2

Runs 30 min a day and lifts pretty intensly. Eats super clean.

Got her to promise to stop running for a month and eat more to see if she can get her period thus clean her body of those toxins.

Any food / supplements / nutritional advice I can give her?

Any herbs or anything to boost estrogen?

Thanks in advance...

[Butterfly09]

Up her healthy fats and her omega 3's. Definitely needs to see a doc to rule out any medical conditions. Good luck!

[bigbridrol]

Originally Posted by Butterfly09

Up her healthy fats and her omega 3's. Definitely needs to see a doc to rule out any medical conditions. Good luck!

hmm OK so fish oil supplement would be a good thing to buy her. Any specific estrogen producing supps ?

[humblegenius]

Need pics of said girlfriend to evaluate the subject matter further.

or

you could get her to go to a doctor and have them evaluate the situation from a professional medical view point to avoid self diagnosis and potentially long term effects. Come on man, if you want answers to specialised subjects, go to those qualified to give it.

[bigbridrol]

Originally Posted by humblegenius

Need pics of said girlfriend to evaluate the subject matter further.

or

you could get her to go to a doctor and have them evaluate the situation from a professional medical view point to avoid self diagnosis and potentially long term effects. Come on man, if you want answers to specialised subjects, go to those qualified to give it.

just lookin for some good foods/ supplements to get it back on track.

This is a womens section, therefore they may have some of the answers I am looking for. This is not a life or death medical question.

[jbrowncbr]

she's a man, sorry dude

[bigbridrol]

Originally Posted by humblegenius

Need pics of said girlfriend to evaluate the subject matter further.

or

you could get her to go to a doctor and have them evaluate the situation from a professional medical view point to avoid self diagnosis and potentially long term effects. Come on man, if you want answers to specialised subjects, go to those qualified to give it.

Originally Posted by jbrowncbr

she's a man, sorry dude

lol why are you homos in the female section anyway

[imperfectly_lou]

Originally Posted by bigbridrol

Hey females,

GF has not had period in over a year. 22F 100lbs 5'2

Runs 30 min a day and lifts pretty intensly. Eats super clean.

Got her to promise to stop running for a month and eat more to see if she can get her period thus clean her body of those toxins.

Any food / supplements / nutritional advice I can give her?

Any herbs or anything to boost estrogen?

Thanks in advance...

I'm not sure what you are talking about when you refer to "toxins". The liver and kidneys are designed to adequately remove any toxins from the body, and in any event, amenhorrhea is not caused by any so-called "toxins".

I would recommend she gets a full check up from her GP including her hormones levels, thyroid and iron levels. It may be as simple as her increasing her calories and/or intake of fat.

[bigbridrol]

Originally Posted by imperfectly_lou

I'm not sure what you are talking about when you refer to "toxins". The liver and kidneys are designed to adequately remove any toxins from the body, and in any event, amenhorrhea is not caused by any so-called "toxins".

I would recommend she gets a full check up from her GP including her hormones levels, thyroid and iron levels. It may be as simple as her increasing her calories and/or intake of fat.

I heard somewhere that if the uterine lining does not come out in the period, over time it can turn toxic and cause infertility

[imperfectly_lou]

Hmmmm.... that is more to do with women suffering from endometriosis, not amenhorrhea. Generally, with amenhorrhea, the woman is not ovulating properly so little, if any, uterine lining is actually developing.

[bigbridrol]

Originally Posted by imperfectly_lou

Hmmmm.... that is more to do with women suffering from endometriosis, not amenhorrhea. Generally, with amenhorrhea, the woman is not ovulating properly so little, if any, uterine lining is actually developing.

gotcha. thanks.

[fitlover]

Originally Posted by bigbridrol

22F 100lbs 5'2

Runs 30 min a day and lifts pretty intensly. Eats super clean.

Lol. Here's your answer right there ^^^^

First of all, 100 lbs. is pretty lean. Actually, I'd almost say it was underweight, but I don't know her bodytype.

Also the running and the intense lifting is another thing. It's very common in women athletes to lose their period when they get below a certain bodyfat % and/or are very active. There's nothing wrong or "unhealthy" with her at all, trust me!

I haven't gotten mine for over 5 months now, and I do NOT miss it!! If you're concerned, and she actually WANTS it back (and I can't see why she would in the first place) she might want to cut down her activity, eat more omega 3 healthy fats, and just have more calories in general. If she gains weight, her period will come back with it. It's that simple.

When I got down to a certain % of bodyfat, I lost mine. I had checked with my doctor and she said that if I were to gain weight back to where I was previously, I could get it back, but that I'm completely healthy the way I am now, and it's perfectly normal.

So don't sweat it

[mprior]

She's probably very nearly anorexic in terms of her weight. I am *NOT* accusing or insulting her, mind you, its simply that the female reproductive cycle stalls out when you hit your LOWER HEALTHY LIMIT for bodyweight. Clearly her lifting, running and eating are not in a healthy balance and this is her body's way of saying "Please stop!" She does not need to give up lifting or running, she probably needs to increase her calorie intake and make certain shes getting a quality multivitamin. I would suggest she make a serious effort to gain 5-10lbs which may mean eating up to 3000+ cals a day for a while.

I am her same height and age. Look at my pic next to my post, I weigh 115lbs there at 8% bodyfat and my reproductive system was still functioning. I was also doing 40 mins of cardio and an hour of lifting a day when that pic was taken.

There is a healthy way to do this and supplements/pills are really not the answer. Her calorie deficit must be significant in this case. Please have her see a doctor despite all the helpful information available on the board. She should be seeing her OB/GYN once a year minimum for a routine exam anyway.

[Egotesticle]

you should probably take her to a doctor to see what they say she should do , she may look healthy but her body says diff. dont want her getting sick.

[misslizzard]

she needs to up her fat intake and probably gain a few lbs. gaining weight made the difference for me.

[kj]

does her lower abdomen hurt sometimes? mild or sharp pains?
My gf has been having the same problem...I posted in the FemMisc a couple of moths back thinking she was pregnant.

Take her to a doc. Turn out my gf had PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome). She's on medication for that right now.

I am not saying it will be the same for yours, but let her see a doc/take her to a doc to rule out a medical condition.

[imperfectly_lou]

Originally Posted by fitlover

Lol. Here's your answer right there ^^^^

First of all, 100 lbs. is pretty lean. Actually, I'd almost say it was underweight, but I don't know her bodytype.

Also the running and the intense lifting is another thing. It's very common in women athletes to lose their period when they get below a certain bodyfat % and/or are very active. There's nothing wrong or "unhealthy" with her at all, trust me!

I haven't gotten mine for over 5 months now, and I do NOT miss it!! If you're concerned, and she actually WANTS it back (and I can't see why she would in the first place) she might want to cut down her activity, eat more omega 3 healthy fats, and just have more calories in general. If she gains weight, her period will come back with it. It's that simple.

When I got down to a certain % of bodyfat, I lost mine. I had checked with my doctor and she said that if I were to gain weight back to where I was previously, I could get it back, but that I'm completely healthy the way I am now, and it's perfectly normal.

So don't sweat it

That is not true at all. By not having your period for an extended period of time, you are putting yourself at risk of bone density issues such as osteopaenia which can lead to osteoporosis.... Fertility can also become compromised in extreme cases. So no, you're not "completely healthy" the way you are.....

[mprior]

I haven't gotten mine for over 5 months now, and I do NOT miss it!! If you're concerned, and she actually WANTS it back (and I can't see why she would in the first place) she might want to cut down her activity, eat more omega 3 healthy fats, and just have more calories in general. If she gains weight, her period will come back with it. It's that simple.

I'm not a medical doctor (yet) but I can tell you with absolute certainty, or rather quote my 1st/2nd year med school textbooks if you'd like, that you are wrong on this. While it may be convenient to not have your period, it is not healthy. Your doctor was apparently confused. When you stop getting your period that means you body is unable to produce an adequate supply of hormones to sustain normal, healthy female functioning. Your body fat or calorie intake is too low and you are playing with fire the longer you let it go on. Check youtube for the PBS special on the teenage ballet dancers who lost their periods for months on end... their bone scans revealed that they had the bone density and health of a 70 year old post-menopausal woman. The damage is potentially irreversale as well! Please re-evaluate your complacent attitude about this issue, do some reading and start eating better. Please!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_athlete_triad

[sweeth4796]

i havent had my period in well over a year now. I know its not healthy.....i have a stable diet (now) and am not overtraining (only 30 min cardio 4 days and 1 hr weight 3 days). After suffering from an eating disorder AND overtraining I never got it back. Maybe someday i guess. ....


so wish i could give you an answer...well the doctor might prescribe Aygestin which will force her into having a period to jump start it again. A combo of hormones, eating more and lightening her workout load might help. I also found when i used to lose it and get it back that when i ate a bitch load of carbs it would help jump start my periods again......weird but true. good luck!

[Emma-Leigh]

Originally Posted by humblegenius

you could get her to go to a doctor and have them evaluate the situation from a professional medical view point to avoid self diagnosis and potentially long term effects. Come on man, if you want answers to specialised subjects, go to those qualified to give it.

Originally Posted by imperfectly_lou

I'm not sure what you are talking about when you refer to "toxins". The liver and kidneys are designed to adequately remove any toxins from the body, and in any event, amenhorrhea is not caused by any so-called "toxins".

I would recommend she gets a full check up from her GP including her hormones levels, thyroid and iron levels. It may be as simple as her increasing her calories and/or intake of fat.

Originally Posted by imperfectly_lou

Hmmmm.... that is more to do with women suffering from endometriosis, not amenhorrhea. Generally, with amenhorrhea, the woman is not ovulating properly so little, if any, uterine lining is actually developing.

Originally Posted by imperfectly_lou

That is not true at all. By not having your period for an extended period of time, you are putting yourself at risk of bone density issues such as osteopaenia which can lead to osteoporosis.... Fertility can also become compromised in extreme cases. So no, you're not "completely healthy" the way you are.....

Originally Posted by mprior

I'm not a medical doctor (yet) but I can tell you with absolute certainty, or rather quote my 1st/2nd year med school textbooks if you'd like, that you are wrong on this. While it may be convenient to not have your period, it is not healthy. Your doctor was apparently confused. When you stop getting your period that means you body is unable to produce an adequate supply of hormones to sustain normal, healthy female functioning. Your body fat or calorie intake is too low and you are playing with fire the longer you let it go on. Check youtube for the PBS special on the teenage ballet dancers who lost their periods for months on end... their bone scans revealed that they had the bone density and health of a 70 year old post-menopausal woman. The damage is potentially irreversale as well! Please re-evaluate your complacent attitude about this issue, do some reading and start eating better. Please!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_athlete_triad

^^
these say it all.

GP check up to get baseline levels of hormones, and her iron status (I would also check her bone mass).
Check diet/ nutrition to ensure adequate energy, protein, fats and nutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Check activity output to ensure adequate rest is taken.

Once these are checked thoroughly you'll likely find the cause - and from there you'll be able to correct the problem.

[Al Shades]

Originally Posted by bigbridrol

hmm OK so fish oil supplement would be a good thing to buy her. Any specific estrogen producing supps ?

Yeah, saturated fat.

Feed her fatty cuts of red meat and watch her start bleeding again.

Anything that raises cholesterol is going to boost anabolic hormone production. It's biochemistry 101.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...idogenesis.gif

There is an epidemic of young college women who have already blown their guts out from eating the vegetarian diet. They suffer persistent constipation or diarrhea because of a diet of fruit, whole grain cereals, bagels, beans, rice, tofu, and soy milk. They stop menstruating, have hair loss and dry skin problems. Running and the high-energy veggie drinks and energy bars make it worse.

http://www.biblelife.org/bowel.htm

[bigbridrol]

thanks for all the responses.

She has scheduled an appt with OBGYN, which I think is unnecessary seeing as it seems she just needs to eat more and excersise less.

Her parents think she has an eating disorder and want her to see a therapist however she does seem to eat a normal amount so who knows...

[mprior]

She has scheduled an appt with OBGYN, which I think is unnecessary

Sexually active females (even on the pill) should never go more than a year without an examination by an OB/GYN. Its the most effective way to screen for STD's and cervical cancer. You wouldn't let you car go 10,000 miles without an oil change, don't let your girlfriend go over a year without a pevic exam! (A hideous analogy, I know )

[misslizzard]

Originally Posted by bigbridrol

thanks for all the responses.

She has scheduled an appt with OBGYN, which I think is unnecessary seeing as it seems she just needs to eat more and excersise less.

Her parents think she has an eating disorder and want her to see a therapist however she does seem to eat a normal amount so who knows...

don't think it's unnecessary because a year is a LONG time...i called mine after 3 months of no period worried sick. she may have done some damage, so i think it's best for her to go.

get her to up her calories in the mean time!

[fitlover]

Originally Posted by imperfectly_lou

That is not true at all. By not having your period for an extended period of time, you are putting yourself at risk of bone density issues such as osteopaenia which can lead to osteoporosis.... Fertility can also become compromised in extreme cases. So no, you're not "completely healthy" the way you are.....

Are you a doctor? Honest question.

Because really, I don't think my doctor would have lied to me. I know women how haven't gotten theirs for years, and they haven't developed osteoporosis. I don't know where this theory originated from.

And how come so many women athletes have failed to get their own after so many years of competing/engaging in intense sports their whole life? You don't see them collapsing from problems with bone density. To me it doesn't even make sense.

[humblegenius]

Originally Posted by fitlover

Are you a doctor? Honest question.

Because really, I don't think my doctor would have lied to me. I know women how haven't gotten theirs for years, and they haven't developed osteoporosis. I don't know where this theory originated from.

And how come so many women athletes have failed to get their own after so many years of competing/engaging in intense sports their whole life? You don't see them collapsing from problems with bone density. To me it doesn't even make sense.

No offence, but not everyone who smokes develops lung cancer either, and not everyone who doesnt smoke doesnt get it. Its about increasing risk.

[fitlover]

Originally Posted by humblegenius

No offence, but not everyone who smokes develops lung cancer either, and not everyone who doesnt smoke doesnt get it. Its about increasing risk.

Well lets just say someone does have it. Will they have to increase total calorie intake to re-balance their natural hormone levels?

[heidismommy]

Originally Posted by fitlover

Because really, I don't think my doctor would have lied to me. I know women how haven't gotten theirs for years, and they haven't developed osteoporosis. I don't know where this theory originated from.

And how come so many women athletes have failed to get their own after so many years of competing/engaging in intense sports their whole life? You don't see them collapsing from problems with bone density. To me it doesn't even make sense.

Actually amenorrhoeic women do tend to have compromised bone density. The severity of it depends of factors such as how long menses have been absent as well as how strong bones were before cessation of cycles (some people naturally have less dense bones). I developed osteoporosis after having stopped menstruating for a year and a half. My menses resumed upon taking provera, then birth control pills and after several years with getting a regular period, my bone density improved a bit (osteopenia at last scan, not osteoporosis).

But it's so common for athletes and anorexics who have stopped menstruating to develop bone density problems that it's generally protocol to have them sent for a DEXA scan. And a person cannot tell whether or not they have issues with bone density unless you get a scan...or break a bone. But not everyone with osteo will break a bone and other than that there are no obvious signs outside a scan. I haven't broken a bone (knocks on wood). So if not for the scan, I would have no idea that my bones are weak.

But these issues can be corrected. Sometimes if a person is underweight it may take weight restoration. If a person has stopped menstruating due to overtraining, then cutting back on exercise may be enough for cycles to return. Sometimes if cycles have been absent for a very long time, it may take something like provera to get cycles going again, even after weight, training, and nutrition have been corrected. Sometimes it takes something like bcp's to keep cycles regular.

Here are some links for anyone interested:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amenorrhea

[Emma-Leigh]

Originally Posted by fitlover

Are you a doctor? Honest question.

Firstly - being a 'doc' doesn't mean you are right.

Secondly - Lou might not be a doc herself, but she works in the medical field and is a VERY good RN.

Regardless of both of these - she knows what she is talking about.

Because really, I don't think my doctor would have lied to me.

Your doc might not have 'lied' to you openly - but there is an overwhelming amount if information out regarding the impact of low oestrogen on bone density. Combine this with activities such as long distance running and the malnutrition/ poor nutrition seen in ED and you have a recipe for future issues.

Additionally, short term amenorrhoea isn't an issue... Especially if hormone levels are ok..... But it is when it happens over the long term/ years you need to be concerned.

I know women how haven't gotten theirs for years, and they haven't developed osteoporosis. I don't know where this theory originated from.

And how come so many women athletes have failed to get their own after so many years of competing/engaging in intense sports their whole life? You don't see them collapsing from problems with bone density. To me it doesn't even make sense.

If you REALLY must know some of the finer details -->>
Bones are not stable. They change constantly - like skin - only slower.

As you grow (and up until about 25 yrs) you form bone pretty well (lay down more than what is removed). You then hit a 'peak bone mass' - which is the maximal strength of your bones.

Oestrogen regulates the breakdown/ building of this bone mass by altering the activity of cells known osteoclasts - these are cells that destroy bone. Without oestrogen these cells become more active and break down bone at a rate higher than what you can build it... So you lose bone mass.

As you get older and your oestrogen levels go down - your bone mass goes down gradually.

Other things also increase the rate of decline - things like smoking (bad), poor diet (lack of calcium), poor sun exposure (lack of vit D), lack of weight bearing activity), drugs (like cortisol) etc etc....

And depending on what 'peak mass' much bone you've managed to build BEFORE this happens , as well as the RATE of decline, will be the factors involved in if you develop osteoporosis.

So - if you combine:
Bad genetics
poor diet (so your bones don't have the nutrients you need)
bad hormone environment (lack of oestrogen)
excessive running (which is actually bad)
you will, surprise, get badness.

So no, not everyone develops it - but it happens.

[fitlover]

Originally Posted by Emma-Leigh

Firstly - being a 'doc' doesn't mean you are right.

Secondly - Lou might not be a doc herself, but she works in the medical field and is a VERY good RN.

Regardless of both of these - she knows what she is talking about.


Your doc might not have 'lied' to you openly - but there is an overwhelming amount if information out regarding the impact of low oestrogen on bone density. Combine this with activities such as long distance running and the malnutrition/ poor nutrition seen in ED and you have a recipe for future issues.

Additionally, short term amenorrhoea isn't an issue... Especially if hormone levels are ok..... But it is when it happens over the long term/ years you need to be concerned.


If you REALLY must know some of the finer details -->>
Bones are not stable. They change constantly - like skin - only slower.

As you grow (and up until about 25 yrs) you form bone pretty well (lay down more than what is removed). You then hit a 'peak bone mass' - which is the maximal strength of your bones.

Oestrogen regulates the breakdown/ building of this bone mass by altering the activity of cells known osteoclasts - these are cells that destroy bone. Without oestrogen these cells become more active and break down bone at a rate higher than what you can build it... So you lose bone mass.

As you get older and your oestrogen levels go down - your bone mass goes down gradually.

Other things also increase the rate of decline - things like smoking (bad), poor diet (lack of calcium), poor sun exposure (lack of vit D), lack of weight bearing activity), drugs (like cortisol) etc etc....

And depending on what 'peak mass' much bone you've managed to build BEFORE this happens , as well as the RATE of decline, will be the factors involved in if you develop osteoporosis.

So - if you combine:
Bad genetics
poor diet (so your bones don't have the nutrients you need)
bad hormone environment (lack of oestrogen)
excessive running (which is actually bad)
you will, surprise, get badness.

So no, not everyone develops it - but it happens.

Okay, well...what if you've lost it for 3-4 months, and seem to have some of the other symptoms? Is this an indication of having the F.A.T?