One of the biggest misconceptions about hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) is that you have to be classically underweight to develop it.
The truth is, you absolutely don’t.
HA is primarily a condition of low energy availability and physiological stress, not an issue of a specific number on the scale. A woman can have a body weight that falls within the “normal” BMI range and still not be providing her body with enough energy to support reproductive function.
Women with bodies, that may look “fit” have an “average physique” even women with slightly curvier bodies, ALSO experience HA.
A lot of times we want to put ourselves in a box and believe that something can’t possibly relate to you because you don’t fit the standard picture.
Assuming that HA is only something women who are underweight experience, ignores the whole reason why you have HA in the first place.
And I’m here to say that you don’t have to look underweight for your brain to feel and register that it is unsafe
It’s About Energy Availability, Not Just Body Weight
Your body needs enough energy to support everything it does throughout the day - including maintaining your metabolism, regulating hormones, repairing tissues and bones, and supporting reproduction.
When energy intake consistently falls short of what your body needs, especially alongside high levels of exercise or stress, the brain can reduce signaling to the reproductive system.
This can disrupt ovulation and eventually cause your period to disappear. When it does eventually disappear, its hard for us to believe that it could have gone missing due to our behaviors. Especially because you dont see yourself as too thin.
You Can Be at a “Healthy Weight” and Still Be Under-Fueled
For example, a woman like yourself may might be able to maintain a completely 'average' body weight while still:
Exercising intensely most days of the week.
Eating too little for her activity level.
Restricting carbohydrates or dietary fats.
Frequently dieting or trying to lose weight.
Experiencing significant psychological stress.
Not allowing adequate time for recovery.
Your weight may look “normal” from the outside, you may not be a competitive athlete either, but your body may still be in a state where it percieves a lack of proper fuel.
This is why body weight alone cannot tell us whether someone is adequately nourished or hormonally healthy.
Your Period Is Important Feedback From Your Body
A regular menstrual cycle is a super important indicator that the brain, ovaries, and reproductive hormones are communicating appropriately.
If your period has disappeared despite being at a what you belive is a “healthy” weight, it still doesn’t mean you are eating enough. Simply because you aren’t visibly underweight, doesn't mean you are fueling properly to maintain your fertility.
If your period is missing even though you don't see yourself as super skinny, it may be a sign that your overall lifestyle needs to be evaluated in the context of your missing period.
HA can happen in bodies of many different shapes and sizes! Your body doesn’t need to look underweight for your hormones to be struggling.
And if you’ve lost your period, the answer isn’t to wait until you look “thin enough” to take it seriously.
Your missing period is already the most valuable information that your body is giving you, to tell you that something is not right.
We have come so far from listening to our bodys messgaes from us and right now, while you have no period, your body is screaming. You know deep down its time to listen and take action.
If you need help knowing where to start, book a call with me.
I offer FREE discovery calls to all women who are in HA or are aware that they are dealing with period loss. If you know that i am the coach for you and you want your period back without the guess work- then reach out or book a call!
I look forward to meeting you.
Rebecca Pinho
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