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Does Exercise Regulate Hormones?

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Posted on Tue, 3 Mar 2015
Question: Can exercise regulate hormones? My periods had become irregular bc of stress & I began exercising & in just one month my period was on time & so was ovulation. Is it due to exercise or just coincidence?
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Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
It is possible for exercise to regulate hormones and restore balance.

This is particularly true in women who are overweight or obese, and have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Many such women have irregular cycles but when they exercise and lose weight it results in normalization of periods in many instances.
This is through the effect of improving 'insulin resistance'. Insulin is a hormone, high levels of which result in an imbalance of sex hormones. Exercising lowers the insulin levels and as a result, other hormonal imbalances improve.

Exercise can also work as de-stressor ie as a relaxation mechanism. Stress related menstrual irregularity is known to occur. Exercise can indirectly have a favorable influence through stress reduction.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Does Exercise Regulate Hormones?

Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: It is possible for exercise to regulate hormones and restore balance. This is particularly true in women who are overweight or obese, and have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Many such women have irregular cycles but when they exercise and lose weight it results in normalization of periods in many instances. This is through the effect of improving 'insulin resistance'. Insulin is a hormone, high levels of which result in an imbalance of sex hormones. Exercising lowers the insulin levels and as a result, other hormonal imbalances improve. Exercise can also work as de-stressor ie as a relaxation mechanism. Stress related menstrual irregularity is known to occur. Exercise can indirectly have a favorable influence through stress reduction.