Member-only story
How I Recovered from Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
A story of ebbs and flows, tears, joy and lots of cookies
If you have read my previous article, you may be familiar with the fact that I suffered from HA, and it was the main reason why it took me such a long time to get pregnant, and have a regular menstrual cycle.
If you aren’t familiar with it, and as explained thoroughly in Nicola Rinaldi’s book “No Period, Now What?” amenorrhea is defined as a lack of menstruation. Hypothalamic amenorrhea can be either primary or secondary, and changes in the hypothalamus normally cause it. The hypothalamus regulates the menstrual cycle; this vital part of the brain releases GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which stimulates the release of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). When a woman develops HA, the hypothalamus stops releasing enough GnRH, which in turn slows down LH and FSH production, ultimately preventing ovulation.
While I suffered from HA I was eating healthy, supplementing my body, training hard, working loads, and I was heavily complimented for my tiny muscular frame.
You may then ask…Why did you want to recover?
Isn’t exactly what society has been telling us that we should be doing?
Looking fit and skinny, indulging on green smoothies and kale salad, and being constantly on the move and…
