10 September, 2007
Ask the coach - Menstrual Cycle
Question
Why is it that when you get really lean, you lose your menstrual cycle. And are there any tips for training during my menstrual cycle?
Answer
The female body is designed to be able to sustain pregnancy even when food is not abundant. It is only in the very recent past, in terms of our genetic evolution, that food in large quantities has been available. World strength coach Charles Poliquin explains that some women stop having their menstrual cycle when they can see the mid line, referred to as the Linea Alba, between their abdominal muscles. The fat on the body may be getting so low that if women were to be pregnant, the body would not be able to access much in terms of fuel from the mother.So in the wisdom of mother nature, the body shuts down the fertility cycle so that the woman cannot get pregnant and compromise the foetus's health. During the menstrual cycle, a woman may choose to modify her training program by reducing the training volume, i.e. number of sets. Some women experience backache as the body releases hormones such as relaxin and oestrogen that can overload an already tired system. This, in turn, can switch off the muscles of the abdominals that stabilise the spine.