How Overtraining Can Cause Period and Libido Problems

Overtraining Can Cause Period and Libido Problems

Burnout that is at least partly caused by overtraining has a LOT to do with the fact that your periods and sex drive have gone to toilet.

If you'd like to know WHY exactly this happens, today's post gives you a little overview of biochemistry and the processes that happen when we're under chronic stress.

Meet Cholesterol

Cholesterol is the “mother molecule” of hormones. We need it to make pregnenolone which is the precursor for both cortisol (the stress hormone) and sex hormones. But in a stressful situation, the body chooses to make cortisol and NOT sex hormones, to help us deal with stress.

Happens When Cortisol is Continuously High

Cortisol is not “the bad guy” that messes everything up! Cortisol helps us to survive tough situations, by shutting down other functions in the body so it can put all its power into dealing with stress. And that's a great thing!

When this stress becomes chronic though (Have you done too much cardio lately? Had long lifting sessions? Forgot to take any rest days?), cortisol will constantly be high, and sex hormones low…

Which means a host of symptoms that no one likes, such as including irregular or missing periods, low sex drive and difficulty getting and staying pregnant.

Maybe It's Time to Slow Down

That's why it's recommended to not work out as much and as often, if you have missing periods or missing sex drive. Not having these things is no bueno.

Are you scared to slow down a bit? Reducing our workout load when it's needed won't make us lose all our fitness. It's totally possible to be healthy and fit doing less exercise than many of us are currently doing, and feel more energized at the same time.

Stop doing the intense or long duration stuff it's not the right time for you, and heal your body first! You won't get unfit when you take some time off. But you'll be more energetic, have better periods and more sex drive.

Simple Strength For Fomen

If you feel like you may be doing too much exercise, my program Simple Strength for Women is a great resource for you. I recommend it especially for women who have overcome hyopothalamic amenorrhea and want to start working out again, but not burn themselves out and lose their period again.