Low body fat Women

This is related to Smallguys thread on low estrogen.

I sent my gf the comment on the low bodyfat hormone problems, and started disussing it. Okay some info she is 165cm, 51kg, with a 12.5% bodyfat, caliper 7 fold measurement.

I did not realise the severity of the hormone related issues since she did not tell me before seeing as we were seperated for two months, she did have a one day period last month, and the few months before tha, but her period length has declined from 4 days, gradually to 2 days, then 1 for last 6 months or so, now missed.

Not missed due to pregnancy, we are sure of this. Also she is on Yaz as contraceptive.

What are the long term implications, and problems that can arise, and will hormone levels go back to normal once bodyfat starts to rise above 15% again.

She is an obsesive compulsive trainer, and does train very hard, with large amounts of cardio, and eating low to none carbs,

Saying we change this, drop cardio mostly, decrease training intensity, readd carbs into diet and readjust calories, and bodyfat starts to rise again, will hormone functions go back to normal ?

I did do some research, but I value the input of you guys on here.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

Is she on birth control? Maybe this could be the cause.

Yes Yaz. but her cycle started getting messed up as bodyfat kept dropping.

Any permanent damage to hormones or any problems there should be concerned about ?

and will things fo back to normal once bodyfat percentage goes up ?

I am sure she will be fine. Blood tests will be needed if you want accurate info. How old is she ?

On a side note, i personally know a few girls 30+ with hormone issues that stayed below the 15% body fat and low estrogen levels for to long. Thats why you get on season and off season. You cannot expect to look lean and ripped 24/7 year in and out. Male or Female.

23.

There is no need to worry about her fertility Kuifie. But women who maintain a very low body fat % need to supplement more vitamins and minerals as they are far more likely to have some sort of deficiency that also contributes to them no longer menstruating.

Excessive exercise, particularly too much vigorous cardio can cause this as well even if she is around 14-15% bf. Marathon runners with a bf % higher than that often stop menstruating. It's not like you get to a certain bf % and then 'bam' the period stops. If she switched up her diet and training then she might start menstruating again and still be able to maintain 13-14%. What she is eating and supplementing, along with contraceptives play a big role.

Interesting random fact, DLB who maintains 12% or less year round said she doesn't stop menstruating even in precontest shape.

Thanks guys for clearing up some concerns.