How Does Exercise Affect the Menstrual Cycle?

Why Exercise?

Exercise affects the menstrual cycle by elevating the metabolism. Metabolism is responsible for essentially sustaining chemical reactions in the body like menstruation. When a woman exercises regularly, she increases her muscle endurance and flexibility. This, in turn, causes reactions elsewhere, too. The heart, digestive-tract and muscles in the uterine wall become stronger. The added strength also stimulates estrogen production. A woman needs estrogen to ovulate, and build the lining of her uterus. This process ultimately prepares her body for pregnancy.

Too much exercise can adversely affect the menstrual cycle causing dramatic irregularity. Female athletes often experience irregular menstrual cycles due to loss of body fat. The body may also interpret very heavy exercise as an abnormality, which may stop a menstrual cycle entirely. Rather than regulating fat or producing hormones like estrogen normally, the kidneys, heart and immune system mistakenly work to save the body as it interprets excessive exercise as a kind of proverbial "attack." If this happens, the glands secrete adrenaline, too. When the body is not actually in danger or injured, overproduction of adrenaline causes more problems affecting the menstrual cycle, too. All the vital organs then start to "over react." All these adverse reactions may eventually cause a uterus to "tip" or become permanently scarred.

Body systems may become lethargic if a woman does not exercise enough. This lack of movement may cause muscles to atrophy, affecting the menstrual cycle adversely again. When a women receives enough exercise, her systems become stronger and more efficient. In contrast, when a woman receives too little exercise, typical functions, like menstruation, will slow or stop. Preexisting medical conditions may make it very difficult for a woman to get enough exercise. Thyroid disease, like hypothyroidism, typically causes underproduction of vital hormones, which in turn causes marked fatigue or lethargy. It may be difficult for these women to sustain normal daily activity. Dysmenorrhea may result, as well.