Exercising is good during periods (menses)

Rita is a 23 year old working woman. Despite her hectic schedule, she finds time for her daily exercise. There are those three days when Aunt Flo comes visiting when she might not be able to do her regular exercises, but she goes for yoga or a walk. She has hardly experienced the severe dysmenorrhea, the horrible mood swings, the ugly bloating or the irresistible chocolate craving that her friends face every single month.

Rita’s sister Sandy is 16 years old and a national level athlete. Running is her life. Her coach has designed a strict exercise and diet regimen for her. To stay at the top of her sport, she follows the diet religiously. She still has not started her period.

Lizzy is 23 years old and is Rita’s best friend. Lizzy is a full figured voluptuous girl who loves her fries and pizzas. Her burgers always come with extra cheese. Fitness is the last thing on her mind. Her periods are erratic.

These three girls are perfect examples of how regular exercising can influence your menstrual cycle.

Women like Rita, who exercise regularly, have less chances of developing menstrual cramps and mood swings during periods due to increased blood flow to the organs. The endorphins released during exercise helps in combating the premenstrual syndrome. Also, sweating it out helps you to beat the cravings, so you can safely cross the line with no excess weight.

Sandy’s is a case of too much exercising leading to delayed menarche. Old Wives’ tales will tell you that Sandy’s pelvic organs have loosened due to the stressful exercising, which is why she is not menstruating yet.

The truth is that, with too much exercising there is a loss in the body fat level. Also, when the body is losing too much fat, it goes into rescue mode and saves its energy for functions more vital than menstruation. This type of delay is also found in girls who are anorexic.

The good thing here is if Sandy loosens up a bit on her exercises and eats better, she will have her period and it will be regular too.

Lizzy is a typical case of PCOS. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a pathological condition of the ovaries characterized by hormonal disarray. The abnormal levels of the hormones estrogen and testosterone play havoc with the body leading to development of obesity and hirsutism i.e. manly features like facial hair and deep, husky voice.

Obesity is a cause and effect feature of PCOS. The hallmark symptom being irregular periods or at times complete cessation of periods. Losing weight is the first thing that Lizzy’s doctor will plan for her to manage her condition.

Exercising during periods may be an uncomfortable thing, but it is actually good for you. The endorphins released during exercising will reduce your pains. Do not push yourself though, advise doctors!