Is it PCOS or my running??

[jenniferdawn]

I am wondering if my lack of periods is PCOS or because I am a runner? It is hard for me to say that I am going to stop running because what if I am not having periods because I have PCOS and then I go crazy because I can't run. It is such a hard thing to decifer. Any thoughts on this?? I get told totally different things, "like you can work out as long as that is what you body is used to" and then "you should not work out more than 2-3 days a week, because your body's hormones get all messed up and it can interfere with ovulation" so which one should I believe?? I have been ttc for 2 years now and have been gradually cutting back on my exercise, but I still work out 6 days a week, just not as crazy lately. I run 5 days and do pilates one day and lift weights for 30 minutes twice a week. I really need some clarification on this, it is driving me mad!!

J

[DrWilliams]

If you do not have menstrual cycles, then an evaluation should occur. You may have PCOS, and the evaluation would reveal characteristic changes associated with this condition (ovarian appearance, hormone levels, etc.) If you have what is called hypothalamic amenorrhea due to physical stress of excercise, then there would be a differnet hormonal pattern. Additionally, if women have PCOS as a cause of no periods, then a simple 5 day course of a progesterone pill will induce a period, but this would not happen with excercise induced problems. It is impossible to tell you at this point the cause of your lack of periods, but an evaluation should help.