The Effects of Over-training and on Women's Health

Countless women nowadays are striving to lose weight some restrict their food intake and engage in intense exercise routines. The long list may include athletes, super models, and ordinary women who believe that “thin is sexy.” These individuals tend to exercise too much and eat too little. Women who engage in such activities are at risk of many health problems like amenorrhea, a term that refers to the absence of menstrual periods. This is experienced by women because of extremely low body fat content. Missed menstrual is often linked to decreased estrogen (primary female sex hormone) levels. Several medical studies show that amenorrheic women and those who have below 10% body fat may have a hard time getting pregnant.
Amenorrhea may also lead to osteoporosis, an ailment which decreases bone density, making the bones vulnerable to fracture and other injuries. Bones usually become brittle when people are much older, but some young women, especially the ones who experience amenorrhea develop brittle bones at a very young age. A report released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation concluded that one in two women over 50 may encounter an osteoporosis related injury in their lifetime.
Here are some signs of over-training and unhealthy diet:
· missed or irregular menstrual periods
· extreme thinness
· extreme or rapid weight loss
· behaviors that reflect frequent like eating very little, not eating in front of others, and focus on low-calorie food
· frequent and intense exercising (taking aerobics class followed by a five mile run, swimming for long hours, and weight-lifting
· an “I can't miss a day of workout” attitude
· anxious preoccupation with injuries
· exercising despite illness, bad weather, injury and other conditions that may require resting
· too much self-criticism or self-dissatisfaction
· extreme anxiety and low self-esteem
· fatigue
· sleep difficulties
· feeling cold most of the time
· constant conversations about weight
If these signs are experienced, the best thing to do is make adjustments in one's exercise and eating regimens. Exercising in moderation and reducing the intensity from time to time coupled with healthy diets may help prevent amenorrhea. It is also best to seek advice with one's doctor to make sure that one's missed periods is not a sign of over-training. In addition, doctors can help you make adjustments to protect you from further bone damage.

Over-training may only impede health improvements, women who want to lose weight should bear in mind that too thin is unhealthy and is “unsexy.” It is important to exercise properly and eat nutritious food. Without these, it will not be a matter of how people look and how long they exercise. Balance is the key to improved health and well-being.

Women who want to lose weight properly are encouraged to consult doctors and other health professionals for advice. These advice are important because a lot of women tend to exercise too much and deprive themselves of nutrients necessary for growth and development. Understanding proper workout and including a healthy diet in one's lifestyle may lead to improved health and overall well-being.