I wondered if anyone could give me any advice on excessive exercise and osteoporosis please? I have not had a period for 18 months now, and after visiting the doctor she suggested that I cut down on my exercise. Most days I exercise for about 2 hours, cycling two and from work (12 miles each way), and sometimes an additional 3 mile run or 2 mile dog walk. My bodyweight is normal (just under 10 stone and I am 5 foot 6 inches). 18 months ago, I came the pill and at the same time increased my exercise to the current level, so it is difficult to know whether the absence of periods is being caused my body adapting to coming off the pill (after 10 years), or the exercise, or combination of both.

When I started exercising my weight did drop to 8 stone 12 pounds for a few months, but it is back up to just under 10 stone now. I initially started exercising to lose a little weight, but now I really do enjoy it, and dont really want to cut down. However, I am worried that the absence of periods may lead to osteoporosis, so obviously if it is the exercise causing this, I will have to cut down. Does anyone have any experience of this or advice on what level of exercise would be considered excessive?

To confuse things further I have also had advice from different doctors telling me the exercise isnt the problem, and it's normal for your body to take a while to adjust to having natural periods without the pill. My husband and I would like to start a family in the next few years, so I really want to sort this now. Also Im not sure if I need a bone density scan yet? Any help or advice would be really appreciated, as this is starting to worry me now. Thank you.