No periods yet

[dianna]

Okay, this is really frustrating. I haven't had a period in exactly 12 months now. Around August, I was 102 pounds (I'm 5'3") and found out my body fat was at 12%, which explained the situation that far. As of December, I was 110 and I still didn't have enough hormones for menstruation. Since then, I have gone up to 117 pounds, gained a good ammount of fat and still no periods! I also recognize that I've gained a good ammount of muscle too. My caloric intake is about 3000 cal/day, my cardio is down to 30 mins 2x week and one hour jog on saturday. I lift 3 days/week.
Have any of you gone ammenorheic from training/cutting? What were your experiences? How do I get my periods back? Will this affect my fertility in the long term? Any advice would be appreciated.

[MsFit]

Ammenorheic is common for those prepping for a contest due to low bodyfat percentage. I normally miss 6 months for a contest. As soon as my bodyfat is normal and hormones are back in balance I'm back to normal. However a year without a cycle, and your bodyfat is 12% is not normal. You should consult your physician. Perhaps he can start you on hormones to get things going they why they should.

[dianna]

It's so strange what they don't tell you about losing bodyfat! I am WAY higher than 12% right now, I'm thinking around 17 or so. I'm having my hormone levels checked again in 2 weeks adn a physical in about 6 weeks. How do you get the right ammount of body fat back after contest, just eat more carbs and do less cardio? Anythihng else? How long does it usually take? You suggestede EFA's to me several months ago and I feel like they have helped my moods a great deal.

[MsFit]

Originally posted by dianna
It's so strange what they don't tell you about losing bodyfat! I am WAY higher than 12% right now, I'm thinking around 17 or so. I'm having my hormone levels checked again in 2 weeks adn a physical in about 6 weeks. How do you get the right ammount of body fat back after contest, just eat more carbs and do less cardio? Anythihng else? How long does it usually take? You suggestede EFA's to me several months ago and I feel like they have helped my moods a great deal.

Bodyfat somehow finds it's way back. LOL The highest I get off season is 17%. I takes severals months for your body to get back it's normal hormonal balance. Strict dieting, intense training, and low bodyfat percentage is not what the female body is use to. If no cycle has returned after a good 6 months post contest, a doctors visit is in order.

If you don't want to rebound after a contest, but to gain weight back slowly, just eat similar how you did as you dieted down, but instead of subtracting calories, add them.....slowly. EFA's will help, along with v/m, collodiol minerals, and coral calcium. Lots of water to keep things running smoothly.

[karen]

I`m not a doctor but from what I`ve read you need to be at least 10% to have periods? I`ve been 12-13%for years and I`m quite regular and normal.I`m at 11% right now and still having normal 5 day periods.Below that for any length of time and I`m sure the cycle would change.There is no reason to get lower than that exept for a short time for a contest and then you gain it back just as soon as you get some rest and begin eating normal again.

You need to see a doctor because low bodyfat isn`t the only thing that will stop your periods.You could have a hormone imbalance or disorder.Get checked out by a doctor.Karen

[Abfemme]

I had the same problem, I got down to 13.5% body fat and didn't get my period for a little over a year. I finally got it again and been up to 16% bf and back down to 13.5% bf and never lost it again since then. I sure miss that year and 1/2. I get really grumpy, crabby and really bad cramps in the 3 days that I do get it. Count your blessings!!!!

[dianna]

Blessings???? I will take a few days of being cranky and cramping over early osteoporosis and potentially permanent infertility thanks!

[MsFit]

Originally posted by dianna
Blessings???? I will take a few days of being cranky and cramping over early osteoporosis and potentially permanent infertility thanks!

LOL.....Make an appointment and see your doctor. It may be nothing, but it's better to be safe.

[dianna]

I booked a physical a 6 weeks ago and the first appointment I could get was at the end of April!! I booked an appointment in the meantime (That took 3 weeks ~grrr) and it's on Friday. I am getting really anxious about this.


*Sigh* blessings. SOme poeple have very strange priorities. I'm glad I got mine sorted out. Thanks again for your help Ms Fit!

[Abfemme]

I didn't mean for anyone to take the "count your blessings" comment to heart. I personally was just thrilled to death that I didn't have my period for that long because I had always been on the borderling overweight side until I started working out and between those extra pounds and my period I was SO uncomfortable. I really have bad periods, cramping so bad that I feel like I'm hemorraging. I guess I should let the women that post here know ahead of time that I have a strange and often times sick sense of humor so please don't take anything I say like the blessings comment to heart. I will give my personal opinions at times and my professional opinion as well but I'm not taking it back! I'm just saying that it was taken the wrong way. When I did have my doctor check up on me she said I had a hormonal imbalance that was more than likely triggered by the low BF. Most runners and highly active women (like BBers) get amennorhea. As far as osteoporosis is concerned if you're taking all your vitamins, mineral supps, calcium, antioxidants, etc and you obviously care about your body, you shouldn't even worry or for that matter even let the thought of osteoporosis and infertility come to mind. If you are a young woman and do not have a family history of it I wouldn't fret.


Love is when your partner's happiness is essential to your own"

[Master Bates]

I'm a woman that dresses in mens clothing.

[dianna]

HA! That doesn't mean I don't get viciously moody. Just imagine 13+ months of un-released P.M.S.

Still dreaming??

[MsFit]

No frowns dianna. It seems some male spectators here have issues of thier own.

[Master Bates]

Originally posted by Master Bates
I'm a woman that dresses in mens clothing.

x 100!!!

[MsFit]

Originally posted by Master Bates
x 100!!!

Well, stop posting smack in the ladies section.

[tracyb555]

Hi Dianna,

I thought I remembered you posting in the past about having an eating disorder, so perhaps the absence of menstrual periods may be a long term effect of this (apologies if I'm incorrect on this point). In any case, you should consult with your doctor, since he or she would have the most knowledge on your specific situation and how long you should expect to wait before periods resume.

[dianna]

Hi Tracy, this is what I was thinking too, but I just went to my doctor on Friday, he kept scrunching his head and saying "Well, it should be back by now" My weight is up, and I was only too low for about a year. They did bloodwork - normal, ultrasounds - normal. He can't figure it out.
I was on 'Alesse' birth control pills for a couple of years (Which often makes the periods lighter and lighter) and I went off them in October. He said I was slightly low in my "LH" levels - a brain hormone that efects sex drive and whatnot.

I'm horribly frustrated now, I just got married and I am wanting to have kids at some point soon.

I guess that's why I have been posting here to see if anyolne else had a similar situation. A 30-something male doctor will likely have less knowledge on a woman athlete's reproductive system than some of the ladies here.

~sigh

[tracyb555]

How frustrating for you! Since your doctor seems to be at a loss, maybe you can try to see another doctor? Preferably one who has worked with female athletes. I hope they are able to figure it out soon.

Congrats on your marriage - wishing you both the best.

Tracy