Sport and periods: what influence does it have on your menstrual cycle?

Exercise is good for the body, but also for the menstrual cycle. Moving during your period isn't just possible: it's often beneficial. However, for some teenage girls or those who exercise more intensively, their cycle can change or even disappear temporarily. How can this be explained? Is it serious? And above all, how can you continue to exercise with peace of mind during your period?

When sport changes the cycle

Do you exercise a lot, sometimes at high intensity? Your body may react by changing the frequency or intensity of your periods. This phenomenon particularly affects very athletic young women, or those with particularly low body fat. By decreasing, estrogen levels can slow down or even temporarily block the cycle. As a result, periods become less frequent... or disappear altogether.

This isn't necessarily a cause for concern, but it's best to talk to a doctor, especially if it lasts for several months. It's not about jeopardizing your fertility, but about understanding what your body is expressing.

Move to relieve pain

Far from aggravating pain, physical activity often helps alleviate it. During menstruation, certain hormones such as prostaglandins cause uterine contractions, which can lead to cramps. By stimulating blood circulation in the lower abdomen, exercise helps better oxygenate the muscles and reduce these tensions.

Whether you're a fan of running, gymnastics, dancing, or even swimming, the key is to adapt your exercise to your current state. Comfortable menstrual leggings can make all the difference when it comes to moving freely without fear of leaks or discomfort.

👉 Discover our menstrual leggings designed for athletes, whatever the intensity of their practice.

The feeling of a more abundant flow during sport

Some women feel their flow is heavier when they move. This isn't an illusion: movement makes it easier to evacuate blood, which can give this impression. In reality, the total amount remains the same, but it sometimes flows faster.

Here again, choosing the right clothing can make all the difference. If you swim, a menstrual swimsuit is a reassuring and comfortable option, without internal protection.

And for fitness, horse riding or intensive training sessions, menstrual shorts provide optimal support while absorbing effectively.

Know yourself better to perform better

Understanding how your cycle reacts to exercise means learning to listen to yourself better. There's no one-size-fits-all rule: some people feel great during their period, while others prefer to slow down. What matters is having the right cues—and the right clothes—to keep moving without discomfort or stress.

To remember

• Excessive exercise can influence the cycle and even lead to an absence of periods.

• Physical activity helps reduce menstrual pain by improving blood circulation.

• The flow may appear heavier, but in reality remains unchanged.

• Wearing suitable menstrual clothing (panties, shorts, swimsuit) allows you to move freely without discomfort.

FAQ

Can sport make periods disappear?
Yes, especially in cases of very intensive training and low body fat. This phenomenon is reversible, but requires medical monitoring.

Why does my stomach hurt more some days?
Pain is often related to prostaglandins. Light exercise can help reduce it.

Can I swim during my period without a tampon?
Yes, thanks to menstrual swimwear suitable for teenage girls, which offers comfort and protection without internal protection.

My flow seems stronger after exercise, is this normal?
Yes. Movement helps the flow, but it doesn't mean you're losing more blood than usual.