How exercise affects your menstrual cycle?

I've been doing some reading about how the menstrual cycle affects exercise or your training. I've done a lot of intense training in my life and have lost my period for 6 months before due to overtraining, likely under-eating and stress. This was a long time ago during University basketball, not my own training regime. Young women should definitely read this! As I'm training for my next triathlon, I want to make sure I'm fuelling my body correctly (lots of calories and a weekly re-feed) and not overtraining. I also want to make sure my cycles stay regular (I've been working hard to improve my cycles for fertility). You don't need to workout intensely every day. Paying attention to your cycles (what phase you're in) can also dictate your training or exercise routine. I always back off my training to lighter activity or less intense exercise just before my period. Naturally, my body actually feels more tired and I have less energy to push a hard workout just before my period and the first few days. It's okay to listen to your body. I always ask my female clients about their period (even if they think I'm strange, lol). I encourage all women to pay attention to their cycles (lots of apps out there, I use @floliving, MyFLO) and get in tune with your body and what it needs during you're cycle phases! Check out these great books to learn more about training during your cycle and your menstrual cycle in general!

1. ROAR: How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Unique Female Physiology for Optimum Performance, Great Health, and a Strong, Lean Body for Life.
2. Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods. 

Fitness should enhance your life instead of become your life. Find exercises or activities you enjoy and staying fit and strong won’t ever feel like a chore!!