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Physical activity and your menstrual cycle

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Is it ok to train during your monthly period?

The answer is easy - Yes!  In fact, many studies have proven that women actually feel better once they trained during their monthly cycle.  Studies have been shown that training during your monthly cycle improves your mood, helps decrease fatigue and overall helps decrease many symptoms present with your monthly cycle.

 

 

Does my energy level change during my period?

 

It might.  Some women report low energy levels during their period, while other women have more energy than usual during this time. Changing hormone levels through the menstrual cycle may be the cause.

Week 1: 

 

On the first day of your period, estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest. But they gradually rise during your period, which increase your energy levels.

Week 2: 

 

In the week after your period ends, your energy levels begin to go up. Estrogen levels begin rising quickly in preparation for ovulation.

Week 3: 

 

Estrogen levels peak around the time of ovulation, about two weeks before the next period for most women. When estrogen levels fall quickly after ovulation and progesterone levels begin rising, you may feel more tired or sluggish than usual. This does not mean that you should not exercise. In fact, being active might help boost your mood and give you more energy. Try exercising first thing in the morning, before your energy level goes down as the day goes on.

Week 4: 

 

In the week before your next period, you may feel less energy as both estrogen and progesterone levels are falling (if you are not pregnant). Physical activity may help premenstrual symptoms (PMS) get better even if your energy levels are low.

Try keeping a fitness journal or record on an app to track your menstrual cycle and your energy levels during each workout. After a few months, you should be able to see when you have more or less energy during your cycle.

If you take hormonal birth control, like the pill, patch, shot, or vaginal ring, your energy levels may still go up and down with your cycle, but the differences may not be as noticeable.

 

What if I’m working out a lot and I don’t get my period?

 

Exercising too much can cause missed menstrual periods or make your periods stop entirely. Irregular or missed periods are more common in athletes and other women who train hard regularly. But if you haven’t worked out in a long time and suddenly start a vigorous fitness routine, your period could stop or become irregular.

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have irregular or missed periods. A regular period is a sign of good health. These period problems can lead to more serious health problems, including problems getting pregnant and loss of bone density.

 

 

Bottom Line Ladies!

Regular exercise is beneficial for your body and your mind.

The bottom line is this: Continue with exercise, but back off on the intensity, especially if you’re feeling fatigued. Vary your workouts, take extra time to recover, and honor what you’re capable of!

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