The Shocking Diagnosis
At the age of 23, a woman began experiencing significant changes in her body due to her exercise routine. After months of working out intensely, she noticed
her periods becoming irregular, eventually ceasing altogether. Seeking medical help, she learned that her hormone levels resembled those of a 50-year-old woman, accompanied by symptoms of kidney deficiency. Doctors concluded that her intense workout schedule had led to endocrine disorders, causing the cessation of her menstrual cycle. They attributed her condition to Exercise-Associated Amenorrhea, where the body expends more energy than it consumes, ultimately disrupting hormonal balance. The doctors advised her to stop exercising for a while, prescribing traditional Chinese medicine to aid recovery.
Understanding the Cause
Medical professionals explained that the woman's condition stemmed from Exercise-Associated Amenorrhea. This happens when the body enters an energy deficit. According to Fan Yibing, a senior gynaecologist, the body reacts by temporarily shutting down reproductive functions to ensure survival. This leads to reduced secretion of brain gonadotrophin, impacting female hormone levels and halting ovulation, which directly affects menstruation. She also pointed out that maintaining at least 17% body fat is crucial for regular periods. Similarly, a high body fat percentage can also disrupt hormones. In the woman’s case, doctors suggested she cease her intense training for approximately two to three months, and afterward, gradually reintroduce exercise with slower, more relaxing movements like yoga, performed three to four times per week.
Similar Cases Noted
This situation is not isolated; a comparable case in the United States emerged in 2025. A bride-to-be, striving for a specific physique before her wedding, followed a stringent diet and rigorous exercise plan. The consequence was the loss of her menstrual cycle. She received a diagnosis of hypothalamic amenorrhea. To recover, she was advised to increase her food intake and lessen her exercise regimen, eventually allowing her to conceive. The 23-year-old woman also revealed that her weight had previously reached around 65 kg due to periods of binge eating. Even when she had taken a month-long break from workouts, her menstrual cycles remained normal. However, this time, she faced different consequences, noting how her exercise had caused endocrine disorders and insomnia. This led her to describe her situation as 'killing the goose that lays the golden egg,' illustrating the detrimental effects of excessive physical exertion.
