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 these women to be prescribed a range of supplements, many of which contain phytoestrogens—herbal compounds traditionally used to manage PMS symptoms. While these products are unlikely to cause harm, they often don’t address the root cause of amenorrhoea.
In some cases, patients have also undergone DUTCH urine testing, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $700. This test is frequently used to assess hormone levels, but aside from cortisol, it hasn’t been well validated compared to standard blood tests. In most cases, a detailed medical history and routine blood work—both of which are typically free—can provide all the information we need.
The Real Issue: Energy Availability
What I see time and time again is that the underlying issue is almost always related to energy availability. This doesn’t necessarily mean someone has an eating disorder. It could be due to:
- Training in a fasted state
- Not eating enough carbohydrates
- Overall low energy intake
For some women, simply stopping fasted training is enough to bring their period back. For others, it may require increasing body fat to around 22% or reaching a BMI of 22–23. But from my clinical experience, carbohydrate availability and including fats with meals are often more important than hitting a specific weight.
The IVF Connection
I also see this issue in women undergoing IVF. In cases of Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhoea (FHA), lifestyle changes can often restore menstrual cycles. Unfortunately, these changes are not always discussed before moving forward with IVF—even in younger women. This is a missed opportunity to address the root cause and potentially avoid more invasive treatments.
What You Should Know
If your periods are absent, blood tests might still come back “normal.” That doesn’t mean everything is fine. It’s essential to investigate further, make an accurate diagnosis, and treat the underlying cause. It’s also important to screen for complications like osteoporosis, which can arise from prolonged amenorrhoea.
While herbal supplements are unlikely to cause harm, they are not the solution to restoring your menstrual cycle.
Where to Start
If you’re dealing with absent or irregular periods, I recommend starting with a doctor and a dietitian who have a special interest in women’s health. They can help you uncover the real cause and guide you toward effective, evidence-based treatment.
🌟 Your health is worth it.