Hypothalamic Amenorrhea – Herbal supplements or the DUTCH test aren’t going to help get your periods back
The Problem with Over-Supplementation Without a Diagnosis As an endocrinologist, I often work with women who are dealing with absent or irregular periods. Many of them come to me after seeing a naturopath, having already spent a significant amount of money on various supplements—often without receiving a clear diagnosis. The Supplement Trap It’s common for […]
When Missing Your Period Isn’t “Normal”: Understanding Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA)
If you’ve lost your period due to intense training or weight loss, you’re not alone. Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) is common among athletes and those with low energy availability—but just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s normal or without consequences. What Is FHA and Why Does It Happen? FHA typically results from low energy availability (LEA)—when […]
New Weight Loss drugs.. Hollywood weight loss fad or miracle for metabolic health??
In the realm of medical treatments, the truth often lies in the nuances. This is particularly true for GLP-1 (Glucagon Like Peptide-1), the molecule found in medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy. GLP-1 hormones, known as “incretins,” are naturally released after eating. They play a crucial role in increasing insulin production and sensitivity, slowing gastric emptying, […]
5 Ways Exercise can Improve PCOS
The Truth About Exercise and PCOS: Debunking Myths and Highlighting Benefits In the age of social media, misinformation can spread like wildfire. One such myth is that exercise is bad for health, particularly for those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Contrary to these claims, exercise can actually help restore menstrual regularities, lower androgen levels, and […]
Tips for Navigating and Advocating for Yourself in the Healthcare System
Navigating Healthcare: The Importance of Communication and Asking the Right Questions Healthcare experiences can sometimes be negative or unhelpful, but it’s often not the medicine itself that’s the issue. More frequently, it’s the communication breakdowns, the feeling of not being heard, and the lack of thorough explanations about treatment options that leave patients feeling unsure […]
What is Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)?
MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a condition where fat accumulates in liver cells (hepatocytes) in the form of triglycerides. This accumulation is visible under a microscope. The term “non-alcoholic” was used to differentiate it from alcohol-related liver disease, which shows similar features. The name change to MASLD aims to reduce stigma, […]
Understanding Endometriosis – A Common Yet Often Misunderstood Condition
Recently, I was chatting with a friend and mentioned endometriosis. I was surprised when they asked, “What’s that?” This surprised me because endometriosis affects at least 1 in 9 females, making it almost as common as asthma or migraines. What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus […]
PCOS: Why do I have more body hair after coming off the Pill?
Stopping the pill does not cause PCOS, but it can lead to an increase in testosterone to natural/pre-pill levels, which may result in increased body hair growth. This can happen in individuals with or without PCOS. How the Pill Lowers Testosterone 1️⃣ Hormone Suppression: 2️⃣ Increased SHBG Production: Post-Pill Changes Unless underlying PCOS resolves while […]
PCOS vs Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?
The Rotterdam criteria are the widely accepted diagnostic tool for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). To be diagnosed with PCOS, a woman must meet at least two of the following three criteria: While the Rotterdam criteria are useful, they have faced criticism for potentially leading to over-diagnosis. For instance, someone with missed periods and a few […]
PCOS: Is There a Best Type of Exercise for PCOS?
Debunking Myths About Exercise and PCOS Misinformation about health is widespread, including advice on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A common myth is that high-intensity exercise, such as HIIT or running, is bad for PCOS. This statement is based on the oversimplified idea that high-intensity exercise increases cortisol, which in turn worsens insulin resistance—the main underlying […]