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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Sports & Exercise > Stress fractures
Posted on: 05/11/2005
Question
Hi, I'm a distance runner and I haven't had my period in the last two months. I've had 3 stress fractures in the past 2 years, and I was wondering if this is something i need to be worried about.
Answer
You should seek evaluation for cessation of periods, particularly if it continues for longer than 6 months. It may be simply due to the effects of running, but can be do to other causes requirng medical attention. Cessation of periods can cause decreased bone density and increased risk of stress fractures, but usually related to 6 months or more of missed periods. So your past stress fractures probably are unrelated to your recent cessation of periods, assuming you have had monthly periods most of the time in the past. A simple test of your bone density called a DEXA could be done to check your bone density if warranted.