4 weeks out - no period...

[maeva27]

Hey,

I am a little more than 4 weeks out from my next bikini competition. I haven't had my period this month now although I'm usually regular. Also had spotting 1-2x last month for no reason. I'm wondering if anyone lost their period during contest prep, but still had some symptoms? I feel bloated and a bit crampy. Not as bad as usual, but still.

99% positive I'm not pregnant.

Last year I stepped on stage and had my period on that day (fun!!), but I'm currently leaner than I was even on show day. I've had my period until this month... I'm eating quite a lot given I'm 4 weeks out (around 1600-1700 calories still), I don't feel like I am overtraining (5x lifting and 5x 40 minutes cardio). I'm not worried, just wondering what's your experience with lack of period during contest prep.

Thanks!

[hardyboysare]

As no-one has replied the simplest reason you have stopped your menstrual cycle is because your bf% is too low for health reasons:-

https://www.afpafitness.com/blog/ath...hea-women-risk

Its called athletic amenorrhea. Based on your pics it seems that could be the case. It happens when your bf% goes lower then generally advised for reproduction therefore as your body is not effective range to produce off-spring it will cause it to shut down for a time. The effects generally are not advised as explained above.

What can you do, well not go so low in bf% is generally advised for most healthy individuals but I understand that comps kinda disregard health to a point. Here is some advice of what you can do without gaining more fat:-

https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/l...ic_amenorrhea/

[snailsrus]

It’s very common when competing

[maeva27]

It’s very common when competing

I was expecting it... Still no period. Have to admit I'm fine with it.
Just wondering if other women had period symptoms (cramps, headaches) but the period never came.

[snailsrus]

I was expecting it... Still no period. Have to admit I'm fine with it.
Just wondering if other women had period symptoms (cramps, headaches) but the period never came.

yup and pms was actually worse I have paragard non Hormonal birth control so that wouldn’t affect it, it comes back fairly quickly post show, be worried 1. If it lasts for months with out it, then you need to up body fat, 2. If you have kids and don’t want more kids, it’s less of a thing to worry about cause lose it too long and it can affect your ability to get pregnant

[maeva27]

yup and pms was actually worse I have paragard non Hormonal birth control so that wouldn’t affect it, it comes back fairly quickly post show, be worried 1. If it lasts for months with out it, then you need to up body fat, 2. If you have kids and don’t want more kids, it’s less of a thing to worry about cause lose it too long and it can affect your ability to get pregnant

Thanks! Yes I am done having kids so I'm not too worried, also have to say I'm happy I won't have my period for my shows this year (doing two back to back).

[getbigordie18]

Thanks! Yes I am done having kids so I'm not too worried, also have to say I'm happy I won't have my period for my shows this year (doing two back to back).

As everyone already mentioned it is because the low body fat levels that you have being so close to the show is the reason that this is happening.

[maeva27]

Yikes, it arrived. 11 days late. At least I won't have it for the competition... if it isn't cancelled which isn't sure at this point.