Absent/unusual periods

[wilson83]

Hi,

I've been on a regular excercise program since January this year. Starting twice a week with aerobics for 30 minutes. Over the past few months I have increased this and now work out regularly every other day doing 30-40 minutes aerobics, followed by 20 minutes muscle toning. I love working out and get such a buzz, but I am starting to experience a few problems and wondered if anyone else has had the same problems.

The first is for the past two months I have had no period really. The only sign I have had is very slight spotting, but not enough to wear a sanitary towel. I'm not getting any period pains either like I would usually get. Is this common or should I be worried?

The second is my knee. I've always suffered from some pain or another in my knees, but after excercise it can be a little bit sore. I am still able to walk on it, but now they make an awful cracking sound when i walk up and down stairs. It sounds like little pebbles grinding together. I've started to take cod liver oil tablets, but wonder if I need to see my GP about it?

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks

[Kleiber]

Sometimes women cease to menstruate when they work out a lot (it's something to do with our hormones, I think) - many athletes don't have periods for some time. Ease back on the work-outs, it sounds like you're over-doing it, and they'll probabaly return to normal. Sounds like you need to see a Dr about your knee - you could cause lasting damage and end up with problems later in life. I'm guessing you're relatively young (well, compared to me, anyway!), so go & get checked out & look after your body - it's the only one you've got! Take care, K