How to Get Your Period Back

As this video was highly requested, today we are talking about why you lost your period, primary and secondary amenorrhea, and how to get your period back. Although not having to go through some of the downsides of having a monthly menstrual cycle, not having your period is not a good thing, and it can affect your body aversely (for more on that, see my upcoming book)!

So, we've established that not having your period is not normal. No matter how you try to justify it to yourself, it is not. Your body is sacrificing its ability to reproduce in order to keep you alive. Your body is in survival mode. So what happens in your body when you don’t get your period?

In a healthy woman, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) starts being produced in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) three to four years before the first menstrual cycle. Its release stimulates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries that then produce the hormone estrogen. Increased estrogen in the blood signals the brain to reduce GnRH production, which then reduces FSH production as well. About two weeks before menstruation, estrogen is released in abundance, leading to FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) production. LH makes the matured follicle burst open, allowing an egg cell to be released. This is ovulation. When the egg cell is not fertilized, the follicle stops releasing progesterone. 

However, this does not happen when a person does not have a sufficient fat percentage. The hypothalamus does not release GnRH, therefore not allowing FSH and LH to be released. The follicles do not grow and no estrogen is released, leading to a lack or loss of menstruation.

This can be due to:

• Losing weight too quickly
• Being underweight
• Over-exercising
• Going through too much stress
• Overeating
• Purging
• Being underweight
• Calorie restriction
• Binging
• Having low body fat
• Having vitamin deficiencies
• Having hormone imbalances
• Being caffeine dependent
• Having a burn out
• Suffering depression
• Suffering from sleep deficiency
• Suffering from emotional exhaustion/anxiety/stress
• Being alcohol dependent 
• And so much more!

So, what can you do about it? Find out what caused your amenorrhea and tackle just that. Also, take time to relax and nourish yourself - your mind and body. Check out the video for more details!



For more information, keep an eye out for my upcoming book (be sure to subscribe!), and check out the following links:
♥  This Girl Audra: A Part 4: No Period During Puberty? The Consequences...
♥ Veggiekins: anorexia recovery + getting your period back | WHAT I EAT IN A DAY (VEGAN)
♥ Jen Brett: Back How I Got My Period Back // Tips +The Most Important Thing I Did!!!  

Lastly, I want to reiterate one last time that exercise truly is a controversial topic. As discussed previously in my Exercise in Eating Disorder Recovery video, it depends on each individual whether sports help or hinder recovery. However, if you've tried all else and come from a very rigid workout regime, it might be worth reconsidering this. I did seek out external input on this aspect, and whereas my mental health coach wholeheartedly supports (and pushes) me to engage in some form of exercise, others disagree. However, this is certain: rigid/excessive exercise is never good.

So, do you have experience with primary or secondary amenorrhea? Have you overcome it, and, if so, how?