Is it okay to not have menstrual periods if I'm a distance runner?

Question

I haven't had a period in about ten monthes now. I keep hearing that it's mainly because of my running, but I only do about 35 miles a week. That really isn't much compared to your marathon runners. Even with running, is the absence of a period okay for so long? And after how many more monthes should I start worrying about secondary amennorhea (when period stops after you had previously had periods) and all that other gunk?

Answer 1

well it depends if you run or exercise too much and you're too skinny then your body don't have enough body fats therefore your body isn't prepare to have a baby therefore the body stops you from having your periods in other word being able to get pregnant, other problem could be your hormones is not balance you can go to your doctor if that's the case hey will give you some birth pills and that should regulates your periods, but 10 months' a long time I would go see my doctor to get it check out

Answer 2

I think it means you're under weight. I know that is common in anorexics, not having your period anymore. You should eat some more since you're running so much. Just because you run doesn't mean you should not get your period. Talk to your doctor about it.

Answer 3

it is always bad when you stop your period. This means that your body is not getting enough nutrience to produce a period and has to use the nutrience to do other nessacary stuff in your body. This can be worsened by running b/c running uses up alot of the good stuff that you get when you eat. Try eating a little more then normal, but make sure it is good, healthy food. Have a snack in between school and practice or after practice. Power bars, fruit and nuts are really good. This happened to me and I am a high school runner, not a marathoner so I guess it can happen to anyone=]

Answer 4

Running can indeed cause a woman to stop menstruating.  And 35 miles per week is a decent amount of running. Remember, marathon runners dont run marathons every day.  Every woman is different.  If you have an ob/gyn, i would mention it to him/her at your next exam, just in case.  But it sounds like exercise-induced amennohrea.