When presenting with amenorrhea, women are often prescribed the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) by their general practitioner. However, the OCP will not treat the root cause/s of HA or prevent further bone loss. Currently, there is limited evidence supporting the use of other hormonal therapies (including the estrogen patch) and bisphosphonates to prevent bone loss in women with HA. To this day, correcting the energy balance and addressing the other root causes are the primary approaches to treat HA.
Please be gentle with yourself and trust that your hard work will pay off.
It can be frustrating to make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes but still not have a period. On average, it will take six months to recover from HA. Please be gentle with yourself and trust that your hard work will pay off. In the meantime, prioritise self-love & care. Spend time with loved ones, meditate, reduce screen time, and revisit old hobbies (drawing, singing, journaling, painting, anything really)!
References:
Altayar, O., Al Nofal, A., Carranza Leon, B., Prokop, L., Wang, Z., & Murad, M. (2017). Treatments to Prevent Bone Loss in Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal Of The Endocrine Society, 1(5), 500- 511. doi: 10.1210/js.2017-00102
Chou, S., & Mantzoros, C. (2018). Bone metabolism in anorexia nervosa and hypothalamic amenorrhea. Metabolism, 80, 91-104. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2017.10.009
Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Symptoms. (2021). Retrieved 7 August 2021, from https://www.ccrmivf.com/hypothalamic-amenorrhea-infertility/
Genazzani, A., Chierchia, E., Santagni, S., Rattighieri, E., Farinetti, A., & Lanzoni, C. (2010). Hypothalamic amenorrhea: From diagnosis to therapeutical approach. Annales D’endocrinologie, 71(3), 163-169. doi: 10.1016/j.ando.2010.02.006
Liu, J., & Bill, A. (2008). Stress-Associated or Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea in the Adolescent. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences, 1135(1), 179-184. doi: 10.1196/annals.1429.027
Meczekalski, B., Katulski, K., Czyzyk, A., Podfigurna-Stopa, A., & Maciejewska-Jeske, M. (2014). Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and its influence on women’s health. Journal Of Endocrinological Investigation, 37(11), 1049-1056. doi: 10.1007/s40618-014-0169-3
Torbati, T., Dutra, E., & Shufelt, C. (2017). Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and the Long-Term Health Consequences. Seminars In Reproductive Medicine, 35(3), 256-262. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1603581
Verheijden, M., Bakx, J., van Weel, C., Koelen, M., & van Staveren, W. (2005). Role of social support in lifestyle-focused weight management interventions. European Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 59(1), 179-186. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602194
Judy Cho is degree qualified clinical nutritionist who takes a ‘non-diet’, holistic approach to health. Judy’s four main passion areas are women’s health, men’s health, digestive health and mental health. Judy offers both in-person and online consultations in addition to functional testing, custom meal plans and dietary analysis. She guides and educates her clients with practical and sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes to support them in feeling their most vibrant and healthiest selves.
