Question:
Is it safe to exercise when I’m menstruating?
- Dawn
Answer:
Sure, you can exercise while menstruating. I do, and in fact I find that it lessens the cramping and bloating that used to make me pretty miserable when I didn’t exercise at all. Your period shouldn’t hinder you from performing your daily activities. Some women even find that performing some exercise when they’re on their period reduces stomach cramps, nausea and discomfort. In most cases, females can exercise while on their periods unless a doctor advises against it.
If you experience a lot of pain and cramping during your period then I urge you to ease into some low-intensity exercise at first, and work your way up to a more strenuous exercise program once you’re more comfortable and your body has adapted to the exercise. For example, I started out slow because I used to get killer cramps at “that time of the month”, but now my exercise program doesn’t change regardless of if I’m menstruating or not, and I rarely get cramps at all.
Many females are worried that strenuous exercise can alter the menstrual cycle, resulting in fewer or total ceasing of periods. Menstruation has only been shown to cease in female athletes who are dedicated to a vigorous training program. This condition is called amenorrhea, and it typically only occurs in novice athletes - such as professional dancers, ice skaters, gymnasts and long-distance runners. However ceased menstruation is thought to be more because of loss of body fat and hormonal changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, rather than due to the exercise itself.
Irregular menstruation occurs more often in female long distance runners than in any other novice athlete. For example, a female long distance runner that runs more than 30 to 60-miles-per-week will often experience less or no periods at all. However, her miles run per week are reduced, normal menstruation will often resume.
Even though amenorrhea may seem like a blessing to many women, it can actually have negative affects on a woman’s body if it exceeds 6-months. The lack of body fat and the hormonal changes in the body can have serious health risks on women - including premature osteoporosis (bone deterioration) and aging, infertility, increased risk of broken bones and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you exercise regularly and your periods cease please see your doctor immediately.
