Does Exercise Affect My Fertility?

ANSWER

Hi Julie,
I saw this a lot while living at the Olympic Training Center. I know it is frustrating but I assure you, you are in excellent company with so many women in fabulous condition who are so lean it affected hormonal levels.

While your doctor is probably right, do not factor out genetics. For this reason, you need to focus on three aspects of your new exercise regimen --

1. First, talk to a nutritionist. I am amazed how often we all overlook the role our diet plays in our lives. By meeting a (qualified) nutritionist, you can determine what and how you eat. Even seemingly small modifications in your diet can change the hormonal levels in your body. Yes, it's true.
2. Second, let's take a look at your exercise routine. You do not have to stop what you love. We do need to change it up a bit, however, this is difficult for me to do as I do not know your routine. When you meet with a nutritionist, provide a very detailed exercise routine. The athletes I have dealt with often keep what they love but shave down the intensity (or times) and add in something else equally rewarding, challenging but less rigorous on the body. What is that? Tai Chi, Kung Fu... a form of martial arts that requires strength, stamina, dedication, power, agility and mental determination. Given your very brief description of what you do, this sounds like it could be a nice combination for you.
3. During my last trimester of my second and third pregnancies, I had to level off my intensity (running, weight lifting) but found myself very restless without some physical challenge. I got back into martial arts. I continued to lift (lightly) and kickbox but I needed Tae Kwon Do to work, flex, strengthen and lengthen the muscles but not exhaust myself/burn major calories.

Again, meet with a nutritionist/trainer to re-focus your long- and short-term goals. You can do it!Good luck and let us know how you work things out.

-- Alex