Excessive exercise in women can lead to amenorrhea

A large number of analysis and observations have shown that during the rigorous and serious training of athletes, many of them will have irregular menstruation, and some even have amenorrhea. Especially for young girls, when they exercise a lot, the proportion of menstrual abnormalities is even greater, and they are often manifested as delayed menarche, irregular menstrual cycle, secondary amenorrhea, etc. And the greater the amount of exercise, the later the age of menarche.

1. Exercise, like weight loss, will lead to a reduction in body fat. Women need a minimum amount of fat to maintain menstruation. If the body weight is 10% to 15% lower than the normal weight, or the proportion of body fat is too low, less than 17% of the body weight, the body lacks fat to make estrogen raw materials, which affects the normal level of estrogen, thereby interfering with the formation and cycle of normal menstruation. When the amount of fat is too low, it may also cause the body to convert normal estrogen into another inactive estrogen. This inactive estrogen cannot transmit information to the brain, so the menstrual function stops. Strict exercise training will not only reduce weight, but also cause great stress on the body. Some scholars believe that when the body is under stress, it will shut down the menstrual function to avoid pregnancy in a fearful or chaotic environment.

2. Exercise increases the amount of endorphins in the brain, which is a naturally occurring sedative substance in the body. At the same time, it can make people feel euphoric. Interestingly, the euphoric effect of endorphins on the brain is stronger than that of pure morphine. This may be why people feel relaxed and happy after intense exercise, including the "euphoria" that Ms. Bai experienced after running. However, high concentrations of endorphins can affect the normal hormone function of the brain and the menstrual cycle. These factors may cause a decrease in estrogen, cessation of ovulation, and cessation of menstruation.

3. Generally, there is no danger if there is no menstruation. However, if the estrogen level is too low for more than 6 months, it may cause calcium loss in the bones, leading to osteoporosis. In the long run, fractures and scoliosis may occur, and even women with healthy physiques are not immune. Among the female athletes in a sports school, 1/3 have had fractures, while only 6% of non-athletes have had fractures.

4. For most women, once factors such as excessive exercise, weight loss or stress stop, menstruation will gradually return to normal after a few months. If it is discovered and corrected early, osteoporosis may be saved after menstruation returns to normal. If menstruation has not returned to normal after a considerable period of time, cycle therapy can be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, which can achieve good results. In addition, traditional Chinese medicine also has a unique effect on menstrual disorders. Fortunately, once the normal menstrual cycle is restored, the chances of pregnancy for these women will hardly be affected.