Loss of weight..loss of period?

[IronSquirrel150]

I know that with any large increase in physical activity or stress, a woman's cycle can be changed or can completely stop, but I was wondering if this happens when losing large amounts of weight. I know that when I leave for USMC boot camp, there is a 99% chance that I will lose my period because of the huge physical demands on my body, but I'm wondering if it is going to disappear before that during the process of dropping weight on the Atkins plan and working out 7 days a week for atleast 2 hours( this including weightlifting; running, swimming and other forms of cardio). Anyone know what it is exactly that cause the loss of a woman's period?

MeganRose LC WOL since January 2, 2004 "The dawn of a new day must only come after the ending of the final setting sun the night before."

[Lawbooks]

IronSquirrel,
You should check with your GYN doc, but it is my understanding (and someone PLEASE correct me if I am mistaken! ) that a woman should lose her period only if her weight/body fat belows a healthy level OR if her weight/body fat goes above a healthy level.
Stress and extreme exercise should only have a *temporary effect* on a woman's cycle...

Now, this woe (way of eating) is known to wreak havoc with our cycles -- if only because our hormones are normalizing after years of weight-related hormone imbalance. At least, this seems to be the *usual scenario*.

I know that when I went through boot camp, I lost 20 pounds but suffered no amenorrhea. Of course, I freely admit that our training was nowhere near as intense as that for marines...
But if you suffer the complete cessation of more than one period, I would seek medical attention.
Anyway, that's my .02

Summer


www.herstorygirl.com

[ThinJen]

I agree with Summer. You may have a less heavy cycle with the extra stress and physical exersion, or even one month of loss, but that is rare.
My mother was a professional long distance swimmer and when she was training for the World Record, she lost her cycle for 1 month, but it resumed again the next at it's almost normal flow.
If you are eating the right amount of calories for your physical exursion, you should be fine.

As for this WOE, your estrogen will fluxuate as you lose glycogens in ketosis. That might mildly effect you. It made me a week late.(no worries though. DH was fixed years ago )

Jen

Atkins since 11/11/03

140/133/115

[LevisMom]

I agree with previous posting. Loss of period can be due to carrying too little weight.

I also have a pituitary tumor. My symptom that sent me to seek medical assistance was loss of period that was 2 months in duration and a negative pregnancy test.

PCOS can also cause you to miss/ be irregular. Endometriosis is also a concern when Time of the Month starts acting up.

I am sure these are not the only causes and I think it would be worth a visit to the OBGYN's office. (civilian if you can swing it) Just my opinion.

Best of luck to you!!

Connie D

Slow and steady wins the race.

[Kristie_W]

I came here to ask a pretty similar question. Today I finished week two of induction, planning on staying on induction, just for one more week, and I am a week late with my TOM. I'm never late or early, I'm like clockwork. And NO I am not pregnant, 100% unable to. But for a week now, I feel all the typical onset signs, but nothing.

My physical activity hasn't really changed, I have continued with my workout as always, since I started, so I can't blame that.

Kristie

168/159/115

When I am blue.....I remember to breath again