Excessive levels of exercise

Exercise has a fundamentally positive effect on health and fertility. Regular exercise supports hormone balance, reduces stress, stabilizes body weight, and improves blood circulation—all important factors for healthy reproductive function. However, too much exercise can have the opposite effect and reduce the chances of pregnancy.

In women in particular, very intensive training can lead to cycle disorders, irregular or absent menstruation. The reason for this is often a lack of energy: the body burns more calories than it takes in through food. As a result, it reduces the production of sex hormones in order to save energy – which can impair egg maturation. A very low body fat percentage also has a negative effect on hormone balance.

In men, excessive exercise – especially high-intensity competitive sports – has also been shown to lower testosterone levels and impair sperm quality. Factors such as overtraining, chronic fatigue, and oxidative stress play a role here.

A Norwegian study examined 3,000 women and found that two groups were particularly likely to struggle with fertility problems. On the one hand, those who exercised daily and, on the other hand, those who exercised to the point of exhaustion. In particular, 30-year-old women who exercised excessively were four times less likely to conceive despite wanting children.