Secondary Ammenorhea

Question
QUESTION: I was diagnosed with hypothalamic secondary amenorrhea and had anorexia for 11 years. I'm a 33 yr. old female almost 5' 7" and perhaps around 120 lbs. It's been a year since I have recovered and restored my weight to a normal BMI. I also was almost classified as having primary amenorrhea and was almost 16 when I first started menstruating.  Bloodwork shows estrogen levels (estrolial specifically) is low, approximately 20, no ovarian failure and not postmenopausal.  I have two boys, age 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 which exhaust me. I don't want to bandaide the problem with birth control pills and would like to begin menstruating naturally on my own. What herbs would you suggests for me to induce my period naturally?  Are there any you would suggest to reduce blood cortisol levels as well?  Please help!  I want my body to feel safe and secure the way it deserves to be.

Vicky



ANSWER: Hi Vicky,



Happy to hear you've beat your anorexia. But, it may still leave some scars that have to be addressed.



Here are some tips on naturally starting your menstruation.



Menstrual Irregularities



Phytosterols: Irregularities are rare in vegetarian cultures, especially among women who eat a lot of legumes, like black beans, mung beans, and soy beans.



Why? Because beans and many other plants have mild estrogenic activity, thanks to phytoestrogens. These compounds include isoflavones, lignans, phytosterols and saponins.



We used to think Asian women had a low rate of breast cancer simply because of their low fat diet. Now it looks like their substantial intake of legumes like soy and bean sprouts are the reason.



Black Cohosh, long recommended for female complaints, contains estrogenic compounds to balance the body.



Alfalfa, Chasteberry, Chinese Angelica, Red Clover, and Strawberry are also recommended.



In closing, Women In Balance, a natural remedy developed by The Herbal Healer Academy has helped



many women with difficult problems from menstruation to menopause. They can be reached at



www.herbalhealer.com. The formula that has helped so many other women is quite inexpensive.



Cut out all soft drinks and eat a low fat, high fiber diet.





To keep cortisol levels healthy and under control, the body?s relaxation response should be



activated after the fight or flight response occurs. You can learn to relax your body with



various stress management techniques, and you can make lifestyle changes in order to keep your



body from reacting to stress in the first place. The following have been found by many to be



very helpful in relaxing the body and mind, aiding the body in maintaining healthy cortisol



levels.



Combating stress



  

I would use a B-complex vitamin daily.



I would also suggest 1,000 mg of calcium and 600 mg of magnesium daily. They are natural tranquilizers.



I would use Milk Thistle (500 mg) daily to neutralize free radicals which increase under stress.



Rotate Valerian root with Skullcap every 30 days. Take these just before bedtime.



Other herbs to help you relax and can be taken during day as a cup of tea are Catnip, Linden



Flower, Motherwort, and Passion Flower.



If you still feel troubled by thyroid problems, contact me again in 30 days. There are



hypothalmic remedies you may want to consider.



Best wishes,



Dennis





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------



QUESTION: Dennis,

I greatly appreciate your recommendations!  I placed an order for "Women in Balance" and look forward to taking it.  I will be going to Whole Foods soon to purchase some of the herbs you mentioned above for stress. I do have a couple questions:  I have read literature that women eating a diet higher in fat menstruate more regularly than those that limit fat regardless of weight, caloric intake and activity levels but you recommend a low fat diet.  I try to adhere to the Mediterranean diet and eat healthy fats, olive oils, organic peanut butters, etc. Is this okay or should I reduce my fat intake?  It is my understanding that fat is necessary for the body to synthesize hormones.  My second question is my thyroid has been tested and results are completely normal.  Should I proceed with your herb suggestions you listed in your last email?  Should I be concerned with side effects with the herbs and "Women in Balance"? Should I avoid taking some in combination aside from the Valerian and Skullcap rotation every 30 days?

Thank you again!  I am so appreciative of your professional advice.

Vicky


Answer
Hi Vicky,



The Mediterranean diet is a good one. Getting the 'good fats' are the key here. You are definitely are on the right track with these healthy fats. Use olive oil, peanut butter, etc. Do not reduce your fat intake.



You might consider either Black Currant Oil. - As directed on label 3 times daily OR



Flaxseed Oil - As directed on label 3 times daily OR



Primrose Oil - 1,000 mg daily.



These 3 supplements supply gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is important in relieving symptoms and aiding proper glandular function.



You should be safe with taking the suggestions in conjunction with one another. BUT, if at any time you feel your body is having difficulty with any of them, discontinue their usage immediately.



The daily relax teas, you can try one at a time until you find one that seems to help you more.



Remember, Vicky. Your body has been through severe shock. Give it time to adjust to its healthy lifestyle.



Don't forget to exercise.



Dennis