How much exercise is too much?

[Thistledew]

Currently ttc and having some problems. I came off the pill at the end of January last year and my periods did not return until the end of September. They have been regular since then. I seem to have signs of ovulation (tracking EWCM and cervix position), but my luteal phase is a bit on the short side (about 7-8 days).

I have had a trans vaginal scan, which revealed no problems. I am currently awaiting the results of day 2 and day 21 blood tests. DH about to do sperm tests.

One thing that has been said to me is that doing too much exercise may inhibit ovulation and/or conception. I know that I do more than an average amount, but don't think it is extreme. I train for triathlons (currently off season) and am a keen cyclist. I commute by bike (25 mile round trip) 2-3 times a week and then go for a longer 3-4 hour ride at the weekend; swim for an hour once or twice a week, and run for either 30 mins or an hour once or twice a week (but haven't run much for the past month due to an injury. My fitness is good enough that apart from the long ride at the weekend I would not say that any of these exercise sessions leave me feeling tired.

I have a really stressful job and find that this sort of exercise helps me deal with this. Just the general feeling of wellbeing I get from exercise is important to me.

I would love to hear stories of people who have conceived whilst doing more than a 'normal' amount of exercise, or whether in fact you cut down your training in order to conceive.

Hello I have been off the pill for eight months now and still no period. I do (or should I say did) considerably less exercise than you per week and was strongly advised by my consultant following a trans virginal scan to stop exercising. I was amazed as I didn't think I was doing that much. I was horrified at the thought of not exercising as like you it helps with a stressful job and we're constantly told to exercise to stay healthy. My BMI is just over 19 and I'm wondering if I should put some weight on (I know I'm in the normal range, but I probably don't have too much fat). HTH.

I do find that advice surprising Moomin. Women have been getting pregnant whilst doing hard manual labor since the history of humankind.

I know it is proven that having too little body fat can stop ovulation and conception, and possibly that is why you were given that advice, but a BMI of 19 is not underweight. Mine is 21 and although I do have quite a lot of muscle I do have a reasonable amount of body fat.

If you're still having periods you should be ok. I used to do 5 hours of exercise a day and had a body fat of less than 15 and I still ovulated. Sadly that's changed now, lol!

I have no advice to offer but just wanted to comment to say WOW, I'm in awe of how fit you must be. And think of all those Olympic athletes who manage to get pregnant... I'm sure you'll be fine as long as your periods are fairly regular.

Thanks Daisy. I started with very poor fitness 4 years ago and am so pleased with my progress. I really don't want to lose it all unless absolutely necessary. The thing is it may seem a lot but there are several members of my cycling club who do more than that and are considerably fitter and stronger than me, so I don't see it as anything extraordinary.

I run 5 times a week, yoga twice and spin twice and train for 2 marathons a year amongst other shorter races! That's NOTHING compared to some of my friends who have succesfully fallen OREGNANT recently!! My understanding is that excessive exercise and a significantly reduced BMI can affect ovulation and AF cycles so as long as your having that then I cat see a problem!!

My gp told me that as long as It was what I'm used to doing I was to continue .... Even when I MC in December I asked if it could be due to my training and was categorically told no x