TTC and working out?

[HOEGH29]

My husband and I are going to start trying around June. I recently just started working out again ( I had surgery and was unable to do anything for 3 months) However, I also just my period back after 7 years of amenorrhea. Does anyone have any suggestions on a safe amount of weight lifting and cardio. Currently I am doing a full body workout 3x's a week, walking my dogs most days and doing a work out video 3x's a week, the days I don't lift. Thank you!!!:hearts:

[Ananda]

As long as you feel good you should be able to continue with your normal workouts. Just listen to your body.

[HOEGH29]

Okay, so just don't overdo it...that is what I was thinking. I was just afraid to do anything, thinking that it might cause fertility issues.

[strongchick]

what was the cause of missed periods?

[HOEGH29]

I'm thinking it was too much exercise not enough eating. I wasn't concerned about it until about 2 years ago when I realized that it was not normal and unhealthy for a woman who would like to have kids one day. So I backed off on lifting and cardio and ate a lot more then I was.

[andi]

also you can miss periods if you are eating enough but jump right into excerising too hard..this happended to me every soccer season (went from excerising to tons if it), and trust me I ate a ton:lol: I think as long as you ease into it, you'll be fine

[HOEGH29]

also you can miss periods if you are eating enough but jump right into excerising too hard..this happended to me every soccer season (went from excerising to tons if it), and trust me I ate a ton:lol: I think as long as you ease into it, you'll be fine

Well, I am definetly not exercising a ton...weight lifting 3xs a week and walking my dogs, and a workout video a couple times a week. I actually feel really out of shape. I guess I am torn b/c I would love to get back in shape and loose some of this extra baggage I've been carrying on my back side but I don't want to do something to screw up my body. I guess I just don't know how much is too much or not enough...that whole thing.:confused:

PS- Andi, your baby is adorable

[GraceGirl]

I continued with my regular routine until I was 30 weeks.

That said, if you're TTC, you shouldn't be trying to lose that extra baggage until after baby, especially with a history of amenorrhea. I actually had to GAIN 15 pounds to conceive my daughter.

[Blondell]

Have you discussed this w/ your doc?

[HOEGH29]

I continued with my regular routine until I was 30 weeks.

That said, if you're TTC, you shouldn't be trying to lose that extra baggage until after baby, especially with a history of amenorrhea. I actually had to GAIN 15 pounds to conceive my daughter.

I guess I just needed the confirmation that not exercising as much is okay. I'm not sure how long it is going to take me to conceive...so maintaining my current weight, not gaining muscle mass is what I should be doing?

[HOEGH29]

Have you discussed this w/ your doc?

Well, when I went to my doctor about not having a period they told me to gain weight and come back after I had a period. They were concerned nor did they offer any other suggestions, tests... Her "plan" was for me to take clomid after I had a period to help me get pregnant. Needless to say I have zero confidence in my doctor. I thought about going to a reproductive endocronologist (spelling?) but since I got my period back on my own I'm not sure if I need too.

[GraceGirl]

I guess I just needed the confirmation that not exercising as much is okay. I'm not sure how long it is going to take me to conceive...so maintaining my current weight, not gaining muscle mass is what I should be doing?

I think while TTC, bulking is OK, just not cutting. You're not going to hurt your chances for having a baby with heavy lifting. I lifted heavy well into my pregnancy (although this may not be right for everyone, and I'd consult your doc). So I'd suggest yes, either maintaining or bulking. The extra calories and protien certainly couldn't hurt you! I have a few friends with PCOS, and their doctors actually put them on a high protein diet to help them regulate their menstrual cycles. That's actually when I conceived. I gained some weight with a high protein diet, and BAM! My daughter is now 10months. :)

[Audrey]

I would definitely not try to lose weight... especially with a history of amenorrhea. I would keep my calories at maintenance or slightly higher. How is your weight (are you at a normal weight for your height or are you underweight)?

Also, you can incorporate some exercise into your schedule, but keep in mind that too high of an intensity in your workouts could contribute to your amenorrhea.


Well, when I went to my doctor about not having a period they told me to gain weight and come back after I had a period. They were concerned nor did they offer any other suggestions, tests... Her "plan" was for me to take clomid after I had a period to help me get pregnant. Needless to say I have zero confidence in my doctor. I thought about going to a reproductive endocronologist (spelling?) but since I got my period back on my own I'm not sure if I need too.

I actually had to go through an reproductive endocrinologist (RE) in order to be able to conceive as I suffered from hypothalamic amenorrhea. If you start experiencing a lack of period again, I would go to an RE and have your hormones tested. If what you have is hypothalamic amenorrhea, know that Clomid is ineffective in most cases (injections are the treatment of choice in this case).

[HOEGH29]

I think while TTC, bulking is OK, just not cutting. You're not going to hurt your chances for having a baby with heavy lifting. I lifted heavy well into my pregnancy (although this may not be right for everyone, and I'd consult your doc). So I'd suggest yes, either maintaining or bulking. The extra calories and protien certainly couldn't hurt you! I have a few friends with PCOS, and their doctors actually put them on a high protein diet to help them regulate their menstrual cycles. That's actually when I conceived. I gained some weight with a high protein diet, and BAM! My daughter is now 10months. :)

OH, thank you so much for your response. When I lift, I am lifting heavy weights and consuming a lot of protein (110-130g). I am paranoid about getting enough calories so I probably eat more then I should. I have gained 15lbs since I began this journey last year when I started gearing my mind and body for the idea of becoming a mom. I am glad you were able to lift throughout your pregnancy...that is what I am hoping for.

[HOEGH29]

I would definitely not try to lose weight... especially with a history of amenorrhea. I would keep my calories at maintenance or slightly higher. How is your weight (are you at a normal weight for your height or are you underweight)?

I am in normal range for my height 5'4" 115. I have been eating at higher then maintenance since I started lifting again, b/c I didn't want to risk anything.

Also, you can incorporate some exercise into your schedule, but keep in mind that too high of an intensity in your workouts could contribute to your amenorrhea.

Thanks for letting me know that. I have been worried about doing any cardio, so I've been walking and doing low impact workout videos a couple times a week. I would love to run half a block without feeling like I am passing out :)

I actually had to go through an reproductive endocrinologist (RE) in order to be able to conceive as I suffered from hypothalamic amenorrhea. If you start experiencing a lack of period again, I would go to an RE and have your hormones tested. If what you have is hypothalamic amenorrhea, know that Clomid is ineffective in most cases (injections are the treatment of choice in this case).

I haven't experienced lack of period but I am experiencing having a period every 14 days. At first I thought it was ovulation spotting but now I am not sure b/c it is more then spotting. Everything I've read on the internet says not worry unless it happens more then 3 cycles. This is the 2nd cycle it has happened. I am just thankful something is going on down there, but I know this is not normal?.

[GraceGirl]

I haven't experienced lack of period but I am experiencing having a period every 14 days. At first I thought it was ovulation spotting but now I am not sure b/c it is more then spotting. Everything I've read on the internet says not worry unless it happens more then 3 cycles. This is the 2nd cycle it has happened. I am just thankful something is going on down there, but I know this is not normal?.

Since you have a history of amenorrhea, regulating your cycles can be a tricky thing. Your body might just be trying to adjust to ovulating again. I had cycles close together after getting my period again as well. It shouldn't last, but if it does, maybe have it checked out.

[HOEGH29]

Since you have a history of amenorrhea, regulating your cycles can be a tricky thing. Your body might just be trying to adjust to ovulating again. I had cycles close together after getting my period again as well. It shouldn't last, but if it does, maybe have it checked out.

That's what I am hoping. Thanks for sharing your experience...it really helps me from worrying too much. So do you think it means I am not ovulating? I think I am going to go back to my doctor after cycle 3 so I will have a better picture of what my body is trying to do. Thank you so much for all your help.:love0011:

[GraceGirl]

That's what I am hoping. Thanks for sharing your experience...it really helps me from worrying too much. So do you think it means I am not ovulating? I think I am going to go back to my doctor after cycle 3 so I will have a better picture of what my body is trying to do. Thank you so much for all your help.:love0011:

No, I think it means you ARE ovulating; your body is just trying to get back in the game. When we go for a period without ovulating, once we get our meses back, sometimes it takes a few cycles for things to operate as normal. Also keep in mind that not every woman's cycle is the same length. How many cycles has your period been every 14 days? You might see that in the coming months, your cycle will gradually get longer. Just keep an eye on it!

[HOEGH29]

No, I think it means you ARE ovulating; your body is just trying to get back in the game. When we go for a period without ovulating, once we get our meses back, sometimes it takes a few cycles for things to operate as normal. Also keep in mind that not every woman's cycle is the same length. How many cycles has your period been every 14 days? You might see that in the coming months, your cycle will gradually get longer. Just keep an eye on it!

Well, I just got my period back on March 12th and it lasted 7 days. Then 14 days later it was light and lasted 4-5 days. Then 14 days later I had my period but only last 4 days light and now 14 days...day 3 so far. So I guess I just need to have patience..... Well, that makes me feel good knowing that I have ovulated. I am trying to be patient and Trust God's plan but I also like figuring things out and making smart choices for my body.
I just posted in your journal :)

[RpH]

I can't add anything other than your progesterone levels might be elevated and it might take them a little time to get back to what they should be. Core body temperature plays a big role in conceiving and you should start using a basal thermometer daily to see what your temps are doing.

[HOEGH29]

I can't add anything other than your progesterone levels might be elevated and it might take them a little time to get back to what they should be. Core body temperature plays a big role in conceiving and you should start using a basal thermometer daily to see what your temps are doing.

My body temp is usually around 97.? so when it gets higher that is when I am most fertile? So keep track throughout the month, like a chart?

[RpH]

During the luteal phase of the menstral cycle, the body's temperature can increase up to 1 degree in some women. Keep a daily chart where you record your temp first thing in the morning.

Read up on exactly what's happening during this phase and you'll have a better guess as to when the best time to conceive will be. Since you have had issues in the past with your cycle, you need to first determine if it has returned to one that is conducive for conception.

[HOEGH29]

During the luteal phase of the menstral cycle, the body's temperature can increase up to 1 degree in some women. Keep a daily chart where you record your temp first thing in the morning.

Read up on exactly what's happening during this phase and you'll have a better guess as to when the best time to conceive will be. Since you have had issues in the past with your cycle, you need to first determine if it has returned to one that is conducive for conception.

Maybe this next month things will be more regular. I will have to start doing that...Well, at least that way I would have a better picture of how my body is cycling. Do most doctors agree with this method? Just asking b/c if I were to bring those temps into my doctor I am wondering if they would be able to interpret it. Thanks for your help.

[RpH]

Maybe this next month things will be more regular. I will have to start doing that...Well, at least that way I would have a better picture of how my body is cycling. Do most doctors agree with this method? Just asking b/c if I were to bring those temps into my doctor I am wondering if they would be able to interpret it. Thanks for your help.

Yes, I believe it's the progesterone that causes the temperature spike, but don't hold me too that. That was a long time ago.

[HOEGH29]

Ok thanks. That sounds right.