Missing your period for three months? It’s not always PCOS.

It could be Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA).

The hypothalamus is the control center in your brain. It regulates many body functions, including temperature, hunger, and reproductive hormones.

Specifically, it releases a hormone called GnRH, which works together with other female hormones like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), and estrogen to regulate your menstrual cycle.

So, if the hypothalamus isn’t releasing GnRH properly, your ovaries may not function as they should—leading to irregular or absent periods.

What causes this?

You’ll need to reflect on how you’ve been approaching weight loss.The most common causes of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea are:

• Long-term calorie restriction

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Excessive exercise

• High levels of stress

All of these signal the body to prioritize survival functions over reproduction, leading to a temporary shutdown of your menstrual cycle.

While PCOS can also cause irregular periods, it’s a different condition with different underlying mechanisms.

To recover from Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, the key is to:

✔️ Increase your energy intake

✔️ Reduce stress—including overtraining

Yes, the recovery process may involve some weight gain, and it can be emotionally challenging—but true health is the foundation for lasting beauty and well-being.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider reaching out to a qualified dietary therapist or nutritionist for support.

To find PCOS dietitian Malaysia, click: https://www.dietitianmate.com/en/pcos-diet-programme