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Does Excessive Exercise Cause Menstrual Irregularities?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Nov 2015
Question: Hi Doctor, I've been taking my birth control pills (21/7) over 5 years now and my period has been always on time. However, about 6 weeks ago I started working out. Usually 3 times a week and I lost some weight. I've been always skinny so now I'm even skinnier. And now my period is late. Is there any chance that I might not get my period at all? I've heard that exercising can really affect that and I'm scared what is happening. I actually became vegeterian couple weeks ago as well.
I'm gonna get a pregnancy test, just to make sure.
My question is then, If I'm not gonna get my period and my test is negative, should I see a doctor about it? I'm supposed to start my next pill in 3 days.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Its common to have changes in menstrual periods in starting exercising

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM,

I read carefully your question, and understand your concern,

I think that you should do a pregnancy test as well, to rule out pregnancy.

But also, during the contraception with oral contraceptive pills it is very unlikely that you get pregnant if you have been taking the pill regularly, though.
On the other side, menstrual period irregularities can be very common. I would not be concerned about the delay, and would suggest to start the next packet when it is due to it, so in 3 days. It happens that because of exercising, the hormonal level has changed, and it has delayed the menstrual period.

If the delay continues for more then 3 months, then you should consider seeing a gynecologist and do an abdominal ultrasound, but I would see this possibility very unlikely.

Hope I answered your questions.
Let me know if you need more clarifications, otherwise please close and rate the question.

Take care,
Dr. Papaqako.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (3 days later)
Hi,
Thank you so much for the answer. Actually I got my period shortly after I sent the question. Its much lighter than usually, but I got it!
Thanks again
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Wish you good health

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

Happy to hear it was all good.

Let me know if I can help you with any other question.

If you don't have questions for the moment, please kindly close and rate the answer.

Take care.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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Does Excessive Exercise Cause Menstrual Irregularities?

Brief Answer: Its common to have changes in menstrual periods in starting exercising Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM, I read carefully your question, and understand your concern, I think that you should do a pregnancy test as well, to rule out pregnancy. But also, during the contraception with oral contraceptive pills it is very unlikely that you get pregnant if you have been taking the pill regularly, though. On the other side, menstrual period irregularities can be very common. I would not be concerned about the delay, and would suggest to start the next packet when it is due to it, so in 3 days. It happens that because of exercising, the hormonal level has changed, and it has delayed the menstrual period. If the delay continues for more then 3 months, then you should consider seeing a gynecologist and do an abdominal ultrasound, but I would see this possibility very unlikely. Hope I answered your questions. Let me know if you need more clarifications, otherwise please close and rate the question. Take care, Dr. Papaqako.