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The menstrual cycle generally takes place every 21 to 35 days. However, there are some women whose menstrual cycles are irregular. Several factors such as hormone levels, health conditions, and emotional conditions often cause irregular menstruation. However, not only that. Draining activities such as exercising too intensely can be the cause. What is the reason?

Irregular menstrual cycles are affected by the intensity of your exercise

Exercising during menstruation is indeed more beneficial than not exercising at all. Exercise can reduce the feeling of cramping or dysmenorrhea that is often experienced by women on the first day of menstruation. In addition, intense exercise during menstruation will improve blood circulation, thereby reducing aches and pains due to lack of blood. In fact, exercise helps you control your appetite. However, improper exercise can actually make menstrual cycles irregular. What kind of exercise can help smooth or delay the menstrual cycle?

1. Too little exercise

If you are among women who rarely exercise, you are at risk for experiencing painful menstruation which is quite painful. Therefore, start exercising regularly slowly and gradually. For example walking fast or joggingrelax. Doing household chores such as sweeping, mopping or washing clothes is an effort so that you can live a more active life which is certainly beneficial for your health.

2. Moderate exercise

Women whose exercise intensity levels are moderate, generally have normal menstrual cycles. You will also avoid dysmenorrhea and STDs. You can add a variety of exercises for 45 minutes to an hour each session, such as cardio, pilates, dancing, yoga, or stretching. By doing it more than three times a week makes your body healthier and menstrual cycle regular.

3. Exercise is too heavy to be exhausting

Women who exercise too often or have too heavy menstrual cycles are often delayed, especially if not followed by adequate nutritional intake. When the level of fat in the body falls below 20 percent, your menstrual cycle becomes irregular. You can overcome this with a calorie intake of about 20-25 percent of normal during menstruation. It is in these conditions that exercise can affect your menstrual cycle.

Then, is exercise during menstruation prohibited?

Exercise during menstruation is actually not prohibited, but you have to know your own body's abilities, don't force yourself to exercise because every woman has different physical conditions.

If you are a female athlete, you can first consult with a medical professional such as a nutritionist to ask about the right nutritional intake for you. Female athletes who have problems with their menstrual cycles usually do not get a balanced nutritional intake with pre-and post-competition training activities which tend to be strenuous. To put it simply, "listen" to your body, if you start to get tired while doing sports or strenuous physical activity, stop immediately and rest.