Research

Hormonal

Strenuous exercise induces menstrual disorders (amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea) in untrained women, primarily through energy deficiency and subsequent suppression of gonadotropin secretion.

If you are new to exercise, do not suddenly start exercising intensely while eating the same amount as before. Your body may stop ovulating if you create a large energy deficit. Ensure you eat enough to support your activity level to maintain menstrual health.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Strenuous exercise induced menstrual disorders in 10 of 12 untrained women... The menstrual disorders were associated with a negative energy balance and a decrease in the secretion of gonadotropins.
Beverly A. Bullen et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 1985

Why this rating

Small sample size (n=12) but rigorous physiological monitoring and controlled conditions.

Source

Induction of Menstrual Disorders by Strenuous Exercise in Untrained Women

Beverly A. Bullen et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 1985

DOI 10.1056/nejm198505233122103

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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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