Exercise to regulate cycles?? Lead to pregnancy?

TheNewMrs. · 08-15-2009, 04:57 AM

I'm SURE this question has already been asked numerous times, but I'll ask again.

I'm quite a healthy person. I'm a normal BMI and I eat really well. My problem area is exercise. I hate to admit it because I KNOW how good it is for me and I KNOW I should do it. I just get side tracked and stop, then have trouble getting back to it.

WELL, I go through bouts of exercise, where I'll do it for a while - like a few weeks or months. Then I stop. I can't remember for sure, but I really think that when I've kept with it, it seemed to regulate my cycles. Like I'd actually have more normal lengths. I'm just wondering if anyone else notices this too?

I'm starting up again - on day 6 (I know, not too far along, but I'm trying here) and I'm going to pay more attention this time to what happens with with cycles. Hopefully I'll stick with it. I'm hoping it'll help to regulate and perhaps I may even be able to concieve without using meds!

A1989 · 08-15-2009, 06:27 AM

yes ive heard it does regulate ur cycles
im like where i start exercising for a while then stop for a LONGER while
haha
but hopefully ill start again =)

KatCarney · 08-15-2009, 11:47 AM

Regular exercise that combines cardio and large muscle strength training has a significant impact on insulin resistance, and this, in turn, can help you regulate your cycles, and ovulation.

On the flip side...when you stop exercising, the positive impact on pcos is completely lost. There's a study on this here:

QUICK LINKS: Research Studies on PCOS and Exercise

I'm happy that you're looking at exercise from a cycle regulatory perspective. Too many cysters only think of exercise as a 'weight loss' activity. (And even then, they still avoid it.)

One of the keys is to find activities that you like. That will increase the likelihood that you'll continue. It also helps to find a circle of of fitness friends with a positive attitude to share information with. That was the foundation of PCOS Bootcamp. You learn about new, fun ways of working out, but sharing with other people, and the positive environment helps motivate you to keep going.

If you need some 'fun' suggestions, let us know, and we can help!

TheNewMrs. · 08-15-2009, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatCarney

has a significant impact on insulin resistance, and this, in turn, can help you regulate your cycles, and ovulation.

I'm happy that you're looking at exercise from a cycle regulatory perspective. Too many cysters only think of exercise as a 'weight loss' activity. (And even then, they still avoid it.)

One of the keys is to find activities that you like.

Well, I'm not IR, so then that wouldn't make sense in my case, but it still has seemed to help in the past. I'm going to pay close attention over the next while and see what it does. My DH thinks he remembers me being more stable too with previous periods of exercise. I've already went for a 60+ day cycle to a 39 day cycle this time, but I had only been exercising at the very end of it. If the exercise brought on the needed AF, I doubt it, but I'll keep watching this next cycle.

AF has been GOOD to me this time too though with VERY little cramps nad a very light flow (same length, but much lighter)!

As for looking at exercise to regulate cycles. Yes, I do because as I mentioned I'm not overweight. My BMI is currently somewhere around a high 22. I want to conceive, so that's a main goal and regulating cycles should help me with that.

I wouldn't mind losing a few pounds as I've felt the very most comfortable around a BMI of mid to high 20. Toning would be great for me as well, so that's in mind.

As for exercise, I'm using the treadmill. Not it's not my favorite. I'd rather use my Wii Fit or go for a walk or something of the sorts, but it just does not work for me as an intense hour on the treadmill. I usually vary it up between inclines and speeds. I either use 2-1/2 hour programs or a 1 hour program on the treadmill (the hardest ones) or I make up my own when I get bored of those. Then I use 3 pound weights for my arms when able (like not running much past a speed of 5). This REALLY helps to tone my arms even if I'm not using them the entire hour (probably do the arm exercises about 15-20 of the 60 minutes). As for liking this - it's okay for a while. I try to keep it fun. I always change it up. I have tv and movies I watch when I'm running and if Im doing more incline, yet walking I have health or pregnancy magazines to read.

As for doing something else - perhaps a gym would be good...just to have other equipment. I'm just the type of person that likes to watch the miles ran, calories burned, etc. That helps motivate me to do better and go farther and push harder. I REALLY feel like I'm getting a much better workout by using my treadmill than running outside as I was (same amount of time).

Thanks for the article. I'll have to read it.

KatCarney · 08-15-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNewMrs.

I REALLY feel like I'm getting a much better workout by using my treadmill than running outside as I was (same amount of time).

I prefer to run on a treadmill, too, but all things being equal, running outside is a 'slightly' better workout. (But I still do 99% of my runs on a treadmill. Like you, I like 'the numbers'.)

Have you looked into Cardio Coach? Those of us at FC have found that it turns an 'ok treadmill experience' into a FABULOUS one. I workout harder and longer on the treadmill w/ CC than without. I've also gotten much fitter.

You can find it at http://www.cardiocoach.com

I know that your bmi is within normal ranges, but for some thin cysters, body fat 'distribution' is still an issue: Fat distribution affects PCOS metabolism regardless of body weight

It might also help to get on a regular 'cycle' with your exercise and your sleep (ie work out at the same time, and sleep and wake at the same time.)

Also, consider incorporating at least 3 total body strength sessions into your week. (30 minutes each session)

As long as your food (for the week) matches your calorie output (for the week), you won't lose weight, but you can make some significant positive changes in your body composition.

TheNewMrs. · 08-15-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatCarney

Have you looked into Cardio Coach?

I know that your bmi is within normal ranges, but for some thin cysters, body fat 'distribution' is still an issue

It might also help to get on a regular 'cycle' with your exercise and your sleep (ie work out at the same time, and sleep and wake at the same time.)

Also, consider incorporating at least 3 total body strength sessions into your week. (30 minutes each session)

As long as your food (for the week) matches your calorie output (for the week), you won't lose weight, but you can make some significant positive changes in your body composition.

Thanks for all of the tips, most of which I'm familiar with. Though Cardio Coach is something I may just look into when I start getting bored with what I'm doing.

I definitely agree that I could 'tone up' a little bit, which is basically fat distribution. I'm pretty fit looking and do a LOT of activity dispite not set "exercise," but I agree, I still think it would help.

I know I need to get in strength. I'm doing some, but not as much as I should be. Again, small changes...

Yes, I think for my food intake it increases when I first start exercising, which only makes sense, but then as I get into an exercise pattern, it evens out more and I cut back naturally. Either way, I end up losing inches and even pounds.

As for a regular cycle, sleep is one thing I should do that with. My DH and I work different shifts - him being 3rd shift, so it's difficult psychologically to get into a pattern, meaning that I stay up until he leaves for work and beyond just to spend some time with him.

As for exercise cycles, I doubt that will ever happen. Things are just too busy and random in my life right now to have a pattern. It's pretty consistant during the week - I like to workout right when I get home from work before I make dinner - around 4:30ish. Although during the weekend I'd rather do it in the morning/early afternoon just because DH is sleeping and once he's awake we like to go do things. Then the past few days I've actuallly been working out at 2am just to get it in 'cause we've been so busy during the day. I know it's probably not BEST for me, but I know that getting that workout in, no matter what time, is better for me than none.

KatCarney · 08-15-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNewMrs.

As for exercise cycles, I doubt that will ever happen.

If you work out on weekdays around the same time, the weekend changes won't matter much, since the majority of your time is 'on sked'. Just be sure that if you up the intensity of your workouts, that you take a full rest day.

Re: Sleep
Getting on a regular sleep sked is probably much more important, especially since sleep is important for the 'recovery' from your workouts - even moreso once you add strength training.

If your sleep is consistently compromised, it makes it harder for your body to regulate anything.