Where is My Period? Secondary Amenorrhea and How Acupuncture Can Help
A large part of my practice is made up with women who are either trying to get pregnant or struggling with symptoms relating to their periods.
However, sometimes I receive messages from women whose periods have disappeared altogether.
I’m sure for a lot of women this doesn’t sound like the worst thing in the world! No PMS, no cramps, no stocking up your sanitary products.
But for the women this affects, this is a problem for a few reasons:
1. These women are interested in getting pregnant and without a regular menstrual cycle they can’t begin trying.
2. Regular periods are a cyclical part of a woman's bodily functions and a result of the natural peak and flow of hormones in the body. This absence of menstruation can at times indicate something is out of balance in the body as a whole.
3. Many women describe their period as a release. It signifies a hormonal shift, the result of a natural building and letting go. Without their period this rhythm is interrupted and can leave women feeling hormonally out-of-sync and at times stuck in a PMS like state.
My Doctor said I have Secondary Amenorrhea. What does this mean?
Secondary amenorrhea is when a woman who has had regular periods in the past suddenly stops having her period for three months or more.
It’s important to distinguish it from primary amenorrhea, which is when a woman never gets her period at all.
Secondary amenorrhea can happen for a number of reasons, and while it’s not uncommon, it can also be a sign of an underlying issue.
Some potential causes include:
Stopping birth control: Often women’s periods do not return immediately
Stress: Your body responds to stress by producing hormones such as cortisol, which can throw off your menstrual cycle.
Weight Changes: Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, or eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, can disrupt your hormones.
Excessive Exercise: Overdoing it at the gym (especially without proper rest or fueling your body) can disrupt your cycle.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): A common hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods or even a complete absence of them.
Thyroid Issues: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can lead to menstrual irregularities.
Perimenopause: This is the time leading up to menopause and can cause sporadic or missed periods.
I always advise visiting your GP to rule out any underlying causes that might need medical attention.
Can Acupuncture Help My Period Return?
Acupuncture is fantastic for treating women’s health and menstrual irregularities.
This is because Chinese Medicine approaches each patient's health as an individual, starting by taking a detailed health history and forming a thorough bespoke treatment strategy based on your own unique health and symptoms.
Through placing tiny, thin needles into specific points on the body we encourage the body to restore balance. Sounds a bit wild, right? But acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a huge variety of ailments—and secondary amenorrhea is no exception.
So how does it work?
Regulating Hormones: Acupuncture can help stimulate the body's production of hormones that are crucial for menstruation. By targeting certain points, acupuncture may encourage the release of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for a healthy menstrual cycle. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8412285/
Reducing Stress: One of the major contributors to secondary amenorrhea is stress, which affects your cortisol levels. Acupuncture is known for its ability to calm the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. Less stress = a better chance of normal periods!
Improving Blood Flow: Acupuncture is believed to enhance circulation, including to the reproductive organs. Increased blood flow to the uterus and ovaries can help promote regular periods and support overall reproductive health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8671446/
Balancing the Body: In TCM, the goal is always to bring balance to the body, addressing underlying causes of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to your health, helping to restore harmony within your body so that your menstrual cycle can regulate naturally.
What Next?
See your doctor to rule out the more serious underlying causes of Secondary Amenorrhea
Get regular acupuncture from an experienced practitioner. Acupuncture is cumulative in nature and therefore you may need to attend several sessions over a period of weeks or months, depending on your unique body and health. Some people notice improvements after just a few sessions, while for others, it takes a little longer to see changes.
Reduce Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or breathing exercises. These can complement your acupuncture sessions by helping lower your cortisol levels and improving your overall mental health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Eating a balanced diet and keeping an eye on your weight can support a regular menstrual cycle. Both extreme weight loss and weight gain can put your hormones out of balance.
Exercise in Moderation: While exercise is great for overall health, make sure you’re not overdoing it. Balance is key—aim for moderate, enjoyable activities like walking, swimming, or yoga.
Sleep Well: Sleep is your body’s natural reset button. Make sure you’re getting enough rest each night to support hormone balance.
If you need support with your Secondary Amenorrhea, then please do get in touch, I would love to work together!
