athletic amenorrhea

[figure_champ]

Hi ladies,
I stopped taking the pill over a year ago and since then have only seen 1 period. My doctor tried a Progesterone test but I still didn't get a period afterwards. Her only suggestion was to go back on the pill which I'm not really wanting to do. I am done competing for the year and plan to bulk for the next few months in preparation for competing next year.

I'm just wondering if anyone has had similar issues and if you think there may be a bigger problem here. I've been reading lots about this issue and the need for essential fatty acids. I added these with competition prep this year and have been taking them ever since. Lots of articles talk about the viscious cycle of hard core training/dieting, athletic amenorrhea and what it does to your body. Guess I'm just a little concerned.

[redsquirrel]

Amenorrhea is common for female athletes who do what we do.

And, to be quite honest with you, you have been dieting for quite a long time. I mena, longer than most competitors. So, it makes sense as to why your period has been absent. In addition, you added the fatty acids during your contest prep...and your BF was already pretty low to begin with (I'm just remembering how long you have beein dieting :) )

The biggest factor for amenorrhea in women is low BF. You throw in some AAS to go along with it, and it will be delayed more. Even when women aren't dieting, and taking AAS, the period can be delayed. So a combination of both I don't think is too much to be concerned about. As long as you have regular check ups with your doc, you should be ok.

I wouldn't suggest going back on the Pill solely for period purposes. The Pill's synthetic hormones will mess with your pre contest prep and make it harder to lose BF.

However, the hard core training and diet you have put yourself through over the past 8 months; in all honesty- I really think you need to give your body a rest. I hate to tell people not to compete, but it sounds to me like you could be doing yourself a favor. The rebound effects after a cutting diet can be really beneficial if you eat the right foods and such after the cutter. So, even though you may have to put on a little fat, you should be able to put on some lean muscle as well. It may not be a bad idea to get a little fatter just so as your body can get back to it's normal levels again. :kiss:

[figure_champ]

Hey Red - I went back to the doctor again since there still hasn't been a sign of a period. She feels that my BMI should be enough for menstruation and didn't think there was anything unusual with my hormone levels (blood tests back in spring). She has finally referred me to an Ob/Gyn specialist so we'll see what comes of that.

For the time being, I am just training and eating right. I was all set to start bulking and even start my next cycle which you and I discussed, but looks like I'll wait to find out what is up with my body! I had hoped to commit another year to training and compete next July, then take some time off to try and have a baby. I need to take care of my health first and see what the specialist says, then decide on next steps.

I'm back to my normal off-season weight (131lbs) but not feeling too bad. I'm still fairly lean which is good. Just hoping everything is normal and there isn't more to this.