I got off birth control three years ago thinking the testosterone suppression was probably negatively impacting my running. I definitely have had three years of better training (and now research supports that BC decreases muscle acquisition too). I want to stay off them.
However, this is my third marathon in those years and the taper triggers my period every time, ruining my race. It's happening again now with Boston.
Is there any way to mitigate these risks (or deal now)? I've considered:
1. Mega-estrogen dose midway through taper to try to stop the progesterone surge that is triggering period
2. Having endometrial ablation
3. Trying to reduce my body weight so low the period would recede
I realize that all of these carry risks, but this is ruining my races! Instead of the PR all my races leading up predicted, I run my slowest times ever. I have GOT to solve this. If I could have elective surgery to have everything taken out, I would in a heart beat. I hate being female.