Why Missing Your Period Matters: Understanding Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
Let’s be real — periods can be a pain. Cramping, bleeding, mood changes? I don’t think many women would be upset if their period disappeared for a while. However, missing your period is an important sign that you should not ignore. If you're experiencing irregular periods or have lost your period all together, it's crucial to understand the underlying causes and seek professional guidance. There are multiple reasons for missing periods, but here we’ll explore Hypothalamic Amenorrhea which occurs due to an mis-match between energy intake (food) and energy expenditure (activities of daily living and exercise).
A regular menstrual cycle is a vital sign of a woman's reproductive health. It involves the interplay of hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone, which work together to regulate ovulation and the shedding of the uterine lining. Menstruation reflects the body's delicate hormonal balance, and any disruptions can signal an underlying issue. When the body senses stress, in the form of low energy resources, the brain shuts down energy intensive processes such as reproductive function and menstruation. If you think about it, this is actually a very strong evolutionary mechanism, as your brain is trying to ensure your immediate survival in the case of low energy availability (such as starvation or famine) and ensure no pregnancy occurs (adding to the mouths to feed).
Why is Missing Your Period a Health Problem? Hypothalamic amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation due to a disruption in the communication between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the ovaries. Several factors can contribute to this condition, such as intense exercise, low body weight, chronic stress, or a combination of these factors.
While some may view the absence of periods as a welcome relief, it's important to recognize that it can indicate an imbalance in the body. Without regular menstrual cycles, women may experience a range of health problems, including:
Fertility Challenges: Hypothalamic amenorrhea can significantly impact a woman's ability to conceive. Irregular or absent periods suggest that ovulation is not occurring regularly, making it difficult to achieve pregnancy.
Bone Health: Estrogen, one of the primary hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones. Prolonged estrogen deficiency due to hypothalamic amenorrhea can lead to decreased bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Hormonal Imbalances: The disruption in hormone signaling caused by hypothalamic amenorrhea can affect the delicate balance of other hormones in the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Overall Well-being: Menstrual cycles are an essential aspect of a woman's overall well-being. Regular periods indicate that the body is functioning optimally, and their absence can have psychological and mental health implications, including feelings of anxiety, depression and even worsening of disordered eating behaviour
Who is at Risk? Hypothalamic amenorrhea most commonly affects young women who are highly active and engage in intense exercise routines, have low body weight, or experience chronic stress. However, it's important to note that any woman can be at risk, regardless of body size or activity level. It's crucial to listen to your body and be aware of any changes in your menstrual cycle.
If you are experiencing irregular or absent periods, seeking professional guidance is essential. Don’t be fooled — some general practitioners dismiss missed periods as a legitimate concern and tell women to start the pill or come back when they want to get pregnant. Don’t accept this advice. Your menstrual cycle is important for SO much more than pregnancy. Dr. Katrina focuses her practice on supporting the hormonal health of her patients and taking a preventative, well-being focussed approach. Book an appointment so she can guide you through the process of understanding and addressing the underlying causes of absent periods.
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