My HA Story
I’ve been debating whether to share this story for a while. Partly because it feels personal and not necessarily anyone’s business, but also because I’ve questioned its relevance to my practice. Yet, the truth is, it has everything to do with how I show up as a naturopath.
Whether or not I’ve personally experienced hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) doesn’t change the way I treat clients clinically. But it does shape the values that guide my practice. My journey through the medical system and recovery has deeply influenced how I care for others.
I went over 10 years without a period after getting my first one at 13 and losing it by age 15. At first, I didn’t think much of it—honestly, it felt like a convenience not having to deal with it. But as I learned more about hormones, I realized just how crucial having a regular period is—not only for health, but for feeling grounded and connected to my femininity. It serves as a reminder to slow down, to soften, and not always be in "go-go-go" mode. While I’m fortunate that my periods were never particularly painful or heavy, their absence was a clear sign that something wasn’t right.
Over the years, I saw various doctors, tried the pill, and was even put on a hormonal patch under the outdated belief that it would protect my bones and heart (a myth that has since been debunked, but I’ll save that for another post). Despite all this, no one ever truly explained to me the impact of missing periods or the long-term effects of low estrogen and progesterone. The most jarring experience was when, at 23 years old, a gynecologist told me I was in early menopause and would never get my period back unless I went on the pill. When I disagreed and expressed my distress, she suggested that I had depression and should get it treated.
That was all the drive I needed. Leaving that doctor’s office, I made a promise to myself that I would prove her wrong.
During my recovery journey, I began studying naturopathy and seeing a naturopath myself. I started taking better care of my health and hormones as I learned more about how they function. Finally, in 2020—after 10 years without a cycle—I got my period back. But I’m not going to lie and say everything has been perfect since then. It hasn’t been smooth sailing. It’s an ongoing effort to maintain a regular cycle, and I constantly have to balance my diet, exercise, and stress levels. I’m not perfect, and it’s a constant process of staying in tune with my body.
So, why am I sharing this?
Because that experience shaped the practitioner I don’t want to be. It’s why I prioritize listening to my clients and taking the time to understand the full picture of their health. Making sure that they feel heard and seen. It is why I focus on balance and not extreme. It is why I take time to understand the root cause rather than just offering a quick fix. My personal journey is what led me to study naturopathy, and it’s why I’m so passionate about women’s health and hormones.
I’m sharing this because I know many people have experienced similar struggles. It’s important to remind you that our bodies are incredibly resilient. They can heal and bounce back, but healing doesn’t stop when your period returns. It’s a continuous journey of care, stress management, and balance.
Whether you have HA, PCOS, endometriosis, or other health challenges, know that there’s always hope. You don’t just have to “deal with it.” There’s always something you can do to help yourself.
xx
