Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) Recovery

Healing Hypothalamic Amenorrhea with Compassionate, Nourishing Support

From the outside, you might look like the “picture of health.”

You eat lots of vegetables, avoid processed foods and sugar, love to exercise, and are very health conscious. You get lots of praise for your “willpower,” and it feels like a big part of your identity is wrapped up in being healthy.

This all seems well and good until you realize you’re actually stressed the f*** out.

You can’t take a day off from exercising without worrying about all the bad things that might happen.

It’s getting harder and harder to be flexible and spontaneous in social settings because you find yourself worrying about the food and your body.

You feel cold all the time, your digestive system is a wreck, and can’t you seem to sleep through the night.

All this, and then it finally dawns on you that you haven’t had a natural period for months.

What is going on?

Well, your body is practically shouting at you for help. It’s scary to realize that your pursuit of health may actually be harming your body. But know that you are not alone.

What is Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?

The hypothalamus is the hormonal control center in the brain. It perceives constant information about the environment and the state of your body’s wellbeing to coordinate various functions in the body. Hypothalamic Amenorrhea happens when the hypothalamus determines that the body is unable to cope with the burden of stress it’s under, so it turns down production of reproductive hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.

Because making babies isn’t a smart use of the body’s resources during times of distress (like famine or illness), the brain prioritizes more “vital” systems when it senses this kind of threat. Not getting a monthly cycle is not normal. It’s ultimately a big red flag that your body is dealing with a huge amount of stress, which is linked to a host of other health issues.

Learn more about how to get your period back here!

Other reasons your periods may be irregular

Hypothalamic Amenorrhea isn’t the only thing that could be messing with your menstrual cycle. Other reasons for irregular periods include:

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – highly treatable with nutrition!
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Endometriosis
  • Ovarian insufficiency
  • Breastfeeding
  • Medications

Compassionate, gentle nutrition for women's health.