In this episode of the Kate Hamilton Health Podcast, I am joined by registered dietitian and sports nutritionist Kathryn Stewart to discuss Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) - a condition where periods stop due to under-fueling, over-exercising, and perceived stress on the body.

Kathryn explains what HA actually is, why it’s becoming increasingly common, and why so many women are told their missing period is “normal” or nothing to worry about. Drawing on both clinical expertise and personal experience, she shares her own journey with HA, the lack of education and support she encountered, and how that shaped her work supporting women today.

Together, we explore:

• Why period loss is a health signal, not something to ignore
• The role of energy availability, nutrition, and exercise in cycle health
• Common misconceptions around carbs, fats, fasting, and “healthy” habits
• Why HA affects more than fertility - including bone, heart, and mental health
• What restoring your period actually involves, and why it can feel harder before it feels better

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00: Introduction & why this conversation matters

02:13: Meet Kathryn Stewart & her mission

03:00: Kathryn personal experience with losing her period

05:10: What is Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA)?

06:36: How food, exercise & “invisible stress” affect the cycle

11:45: Hormones, misdiagnosis & why HA is often missed

24:08: Long-term health consequences of missing periods

27:06: Bone health, calcium & estrogen’s role

32:48: Kathryn’s clinic approach to period recovery

34:56: Breakfast, snacks & under-fueling patterns

35:28: Fueling exercise without giving up movement

37:26: Why fasting often backfires for hormonal health

39:30: Eating more: fear, bloating & the “speed bump” phase

42:59: Balancing carbs, fats & protein properly

45:38: Planning meals for busy schedules

49:13: Mindset, mental health & rebuilding trust with food

54:00: Individualised exercise adjustments

56:26: Quickfire questions

58:49: Final thoughts & where to find Kathryn

Links & Resources:

• Connect with me on Instagram here
• Learn more about KHH coaching here
• Connect with Kathryn on Instagram here
• Visit Kathryn’s website here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who might benefit. For more health and fitness tips, follow me on Instagram and TikTok @katehamiltonhealth.

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