Amenorrhea (no periods) and Anorexia (disordered eating) - Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: A holistic approach to restoring balance
There are many reasons why women experience Amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation), these include:-
- Taking birth control
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalances such as - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), perimenopause, hypothyroidism
- Over exercising
- Restrictive diets
- Chronic stress, and
- Surgical reasons
Have you heard of or experienced the very common hypothalamic amenorrhea, which is a lack of periods due to undereating or undereating carbs. (And yes, you could have been mistakenly told you have “lean PCOS” when you actually have hypothalamic amenorrhea.)
For many women, a regular menstrual cycle is a key indicator of overall health. However, when periods stop unexpectedly—especially in cases of anorexia or disordered eating—it’s a sign that the body is under significant stress. Amenorrhea is a common consequence of restricted eating, nutrient deficiencies, and emotional imbalance. As a naturopath and energy healer, I take a holistic approach in supporting the body to regain balance naturally.
Understanding the Link Between Amenorrhea and Disordered Eating
When the body is deprived of essential nutrients due to restrictive eating, it enters a state of survival mode, shutting down non-essential functions—including reproduction. This is largely due to hormonal disruption, particularly a decrease in estrogen and progesterone. The body prioritises vital organs over reproductive health, leading to amenorrhea.
Additionally, chronic stress—whether emotional, mental, or physical—contributes to elevated cortisol levels, further suppressing ovulation and menstrual regularity. This is where a combined approach of naturopathy and energy healing, such as Emotions and Metaphysical Kinesiology (EMK) can help restore balance and encourage healing.
The Difference Between Anorexia and Anorexia Nervosa
The term "anorexia" refers to a general loss of appetite or an inability to eat, which can result from various medical conditions or emotional distress. On the other hand, anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight, extreme food restriction, and a distorted body image. While anorexia nervosa leads to severe malnutrition and numerous health complications, including amenorrhea, it is crucial to differentiate between the two terms. Proper diagnosis and holistic treatment are essential for recovery.
A Naturopathic Approach
Restoring a healthy cycle requires nourishment, emotional healing, and rebalancing the nervous system. Here’s how naturopathy can help:
🌿 Nutritional Replenishment – A whole-food diet rich in healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates is essential for hormone production. Key nutrients include zinc, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins. Adaptogenic herbs, such as ashwagandha and licorice root, may also help support adrenal function and reduce stress.
🥑 Healthy Fats for Hormone Production – Essential fatty acids from avocados, nuts, seeds, and omega-3-rich fish, support estrogen levels and overall hormone function.
🧘♀️ Nervous System Support – Chronic stress and trauma can keep the body in fight-or-flight mode. Herbal adaptogens, nervous system tonics, and relaxation practices like breathwork and meditation help bring the body back into balance.
💤 Restorative Sleep – Sleep is crucial for hormone regulation. Herbal remedies like passionflower, chamomile, and magnesium can assist in achieving deep, restorative sleep.
The Role of Energy Healing in Healing Emotional Blocks
My Body Balance Treatments for Women incorporate both Reiki and Emotions and Metaphysical Kinesiology (EMK) which plays a powerful role in addressing the deep-rooted emotional patterns contributing to hypothalamic amenorrhea. Many women with restrictive eating patterns experience feelings of control, perfectionism, or fear around body image, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and nourishment. Please remember that everyone is different and your reasons as to why is unique to you, these feeling mentioned above are the common ones experienced.
Body Balance Treatments for Women helps to:
✨ Release Emotional Blockages – Stored emotions and past trauma can impact physical health. Through gentle kinesiology techniques, we can identify and release emotional stressors affecting the reproductive system.
✨ Restore Energy Flow – When energy pathways (meridians) are blocked, the body struggles to function optimally. Reiki and EMK can help shift stagnant energy and support hormonal healing.
✨ Reconnect with the Body – Healing from anorexia involves rebuilding trust with the body. My Body Balance Treatment for Women sessions provide a safe space to nurture self-compassion and healing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with amenorrhea related to disordered eating, know that support is available. This is a multifaceted condition that can be extremely complex depending on the individual.
Healing is possible and recovering from amenorrhea due to disordered eating takes time, patience, and a holistic approach that nurtures both the body and mind. By combining naturopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition, hormonal support, energy healing through Reiki, flower essences, essential oils and emotional healing through EMK, we can guide the body back to balance and restore its natural rhythms.
Book your Consultation or Body Balance Treatment for Women to start your journey toward healing by clicking the link below:-
Yours in health and wellness,
Katrina xxx
Naturopath & Energy Healer
Repair | Rebalance | Restore 💛
Please note that I am currently studying EMK and will graduate at the end of 2025. I combine my studies with Reiki and have created my Body Balance Treatments for Women. I am a degree qualified Naturopath with over a decade's experience in natural health and wellness.