A viral video making waves online claims that eating less and engaging in rigorous exercise can cause infertility, raising concerns among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike. While staying fit is essential, overdoing it with restrictive diets and excessive workouts may harm reproductive health. To understand if the internet claim is true or otherwise, we at OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi.
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Eating Less And Engaging In Rigorous Exercise Can Cause Infertility, Is it True?
Dr. Bajaj says “This is partially true. Exercise is an important factor when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. However, intense exercise, particularly severe training over long periods of time, when accompanied with limited nutrition or low body fat, has the potential to impair fertility by disturbing the hormonal balance.”
She further adds that as a result, women may have irregular menstrual periods or, in severe circumstances, amenorrhea (a lack of menstruation). For men, excessive activity may result in a reduced sperm count or quality. However, it is important to remember that the effect of exercise on fertility differs from person to person. A modest and balanced exercise plan, along with a healthy lifestyle, typically benefits reproductive health.
Why Eating Less And Engaging In Rigorous Exercise Can Cause Infertility?
Dr. Bajaj highlights that strenuous exercise can have a significant impact on female fertility, especially when there is an energy imbalance. She says, “If your energy intake is insufficient for your body to perform its fundamental activities, you are in an energy deficit. The reproductive system is extremely susceptible to energy deficiency. Both body weight and fat composition have an impact on female fertility.”
According to research, a BMI of 20 to 24.9 is ideal for optimum fertility and regular ovulation. Menarche requires a minimum of 17% body fat, whereas ovulation maintenance requires 22%. If the levels go below this, ovulatory problems and menstrual abnormalities develop, which can make conception difficult.
She further states that as a result, estrogen and progesterone concentrations fall, resulting in a range of exercise-associated menstrual disturbances (EAMD), including severe menstrual disturbances such as amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea (infrequent menstrual periods), which are easily identified by the absence of menstruation for at least three months or longer and an inconsistent cycle lasting 36-90 days.
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Is This Link Set In Stone?
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“It has also been demonstrated that exercise-related stress does not promote reproductive problems. However, in an effort to preserve energy, metabolic changes caused by an energy deficit disrupt the normal synthesis of reproductive hormones.”, says Dr. Bajaj.
She emphasises that exercise isn’t the problem! Studies have examined if there is something innately wrong with exercise, and the findings appear to indicate that there is not. It’s all about the energy shortage. The good news is that if you keep track of your calorie intake and exercise levels, you should be able to maintain a healthy cycle. Exercise does not appear to have a persistent effect on fertility. Menstrual irregularities are caused by an energy shortage, therefore recovery occurs when the energy balance is restored.
Work Towards Being Healthy, But Maintain A Balance!
The viral claim sheds light on an important truth—while fitness and healthy eating are essential for overall well-being, an energy imbalance caused by extreme measures can disrupt reproductive health. The good news? Fertility thrives on balance. Maintaining a nutritious diet, a moderate exercise routine, and a healthy BMI can help protect your fertility while keeping you fit and strong. Remember, your health should always be about sustainability, not extremes. Balance is the key to a healthier, happier you!
