This month’s case study is 27 year old ‘Melanie’ who came to the Clinic with amenorrhoea (absence of periods)

I had taken the contraceptive pill during my early twenties to regulate my periods which worked, but when I stopped taking it, my periods did not return. Three years on I still hadn’t had a period and I went back to my doctor because I was worried about the longer term effects on not having periods. I had read that I might experience difficulties conceiving and the risk of developing osteoporosis may be increased. I went to my doctor to discuss this and he dismissed these concerns and just recommended I go back on the Pill to bring a cycle back. I knew this was only going to give me a ‘false’ period and it would only mask any underlying hormone imbalance so I decided against it. I asked to be referred for further investigation. I had an ultrasound scan which showed I had polycystic ovaries, but it was all very vague and I had no real explanation as to what it meant. I had also stated to gain weight around my middle which I found distressing.

 

I was talking to a work colleague who had mentioned that she had been to see a nutritionist at The Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic for natural support to help her irregular periods and she had made changes to her diet and taken vitamins and minerals and herbal remedies. Within six months her cycle had regulated without having to take the Pill as recommended by her doctor.

 

I phoned the Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic and spoke to one of the nutritionists to make sure that they could help with my condition. She explained that hormone imbalance is one of the main areas they deal with and recommended I book a consultation. Having spoken to her it really excited me to think I was being proactive by trying to help myself naturally rather than just taking the easy option by going on the Pill.

 

Before the first appointment I was sent a comprehensive questionnaire which allowed me to write down my main areas of concern and where I needed help and my current diet. My diet in fact was generally very good because I had been to see a naturopath about a year ago. However, I knew there was always room for improvement!

 

During my initial consultation the nutritionist went through my questionnaire thoroughly with me. She had already looked through it and made notes which made me confident that she knew why I was coming. After going through my menstrual history and finding out that I had been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries the nutritionist explained that sometimes women, especially younger women under 30 are diagnosed with this condition when in fact a young woman should appear to have lots of cysts (follicles) on the ovaries and as we get older the follicles become less as egg production declines. She gave me the option of getting a second opinion which I agreed to so she referred me to have another ultrasound scan. The scanning equipment was amazing – 3D colour and it confirmed what the nutritionist said – I didn’t have polycystic ovaries – but simply healthy active ovaries! She also explained that a blood test was needed in conjunction with the scan to check my hormones and this came back normal. I was relieved, yet frustrated because I wanted to know why my periods had stopped.

 

The nutritionist explained that periods can take a while to come back having been on the Pill long term, but fundamentally nothing was wrong with me. She recommended I use herbs to try and reinstate a period. I said that I had used Agnus Castus but it didn’t work. She recommended an herbal formula which she explained was often more effective than using single herbs because they have a more nurturing effect on the whole menstrual cycle. She also explained that the herbs she was going to recommend  were more potent and better quality than the herbs you could freely by over the counter. She did warn me that the herbs may taste bitter, but I was so desperate to get my periods back I didn’t care!!

 

I went away and followed the programme. Because my diet was already quite good, it was the supplements and herbs that seemed to make more of a difference. The only area that the nutritionist commented on in regards to my diet was the long periods I was leaving in between eating. I should be eating every three hours in order to keep my blood sugar levels stable and also have a positive effect on my hormone balance. I was going 5 or 6 hours most of the time, partly due to my busy job and lifestyle but also because I thought I would lose weight by eating less and not having any snacks. She suggested always eating some protein with my snacks so an apple and some nuts for example or oatcakes and nut butter.

 

Within 8 weeks I had a period which was absolutely amazing! I hadn’t had a period in 3 years so to get one was almost like a miracle! I phoned the clinic just to let the nutritionist know what had happened and she told me to continue with everything until my next appointment.

 

I couldn’t believe it, by my second appointment I had already had two periods 28 days apart. The nutritionist explained that the herbs work primarily on my pituitary gland which essentially controls how my hormones work and they have a long lasting effect.

 

I’m now 12 months on and I’ve had regular 28 day menstrual cycles and no longer taking the herbs. I feel so much more in control and so pleased to have a period back without having to take the Pill. Not only has my cycle returned, I have lost weight from around my tummy which has really helped my confidence. It seems strange because I am eating so much more and the weight is steadily coming off. I’m a lot more aware of eating protein and making a conscious effort to eat every 3 hours.

 

I wish I had visited the Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic sooner, but I suppose time goes so quickly it is easy to lose track of time!

 

 

Marilyn’s Comments

 

Melanie’s story is remarkable and so inspiring to see just how powerful nutrition can be. We often see similar cases in our clinic where young girls are experiencing menstrual problems –whether that is no periods at all or perhaps they have become irregular. The conventional medical approach is to address this is with the contraceptive pill, as Melanie was offered, but this only covers up any potential underlying hormone imbalance so as soon as the Pill is stopped, the hormonal problems often kick back in.

 

With a lack of periods for such a long time as Melanie experienced, it is certainly very important to have this investigated by a doctor, however, once you have a diagnosis, there are many options available if you feel that taking the Pill isn’t right for you.

 

If you would like to find out more about our clinics in London and Tunbridge Wells, Kent then please call 0870 5329244.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 at 2:30 am and is filed under Case Studies (The True Power of Good Nutrition), Periods and PMS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.