Irregular Periods After Birth Control: Understanding Low Hormone Levels & Potential Solutions

Question
I am 27, female, 5'3 and 108 lbs. I have been off birth control pills for 6 months and haven't had a period since. I was on them for 6 months. I had my hormone levels checked and FSH, LH, Estrogen, and progesterone are all very low. TSH is fine. I suspect it's nutrition/exercise related. I tend to follow a low calorie diet, and exercise quite a bit. Is there any supplements I can take that will HELP my body increase the hormones needed so I can menstruate again? My husband and I are trying to have a baby. I do not want to take synthetic drugs because I don't want my body to be suppressed, I want to help it make the hormones on its own. Or should I not take anything, and just increase my calories and decrease my exercise level? If I should do that, how long do you think it will take after following this new diet and exercise regimen for my ovulation/menses to return?

Answer
Body fat helps in the production of estrogen, and it is very normal for women's bodies to shut down the menstrual cycle when the body fat level and calorie levels are too low.  At 5'3" and 108 pounds, you are at the very low end of a normal BMI; if you are very active and have high musculature, you are probably underweight.  Rather than taking supplements, you should first try to gain some weight so that your body can resume hormone production on its own.  Try to get your body weight up to at least 130 pounds.  This may seem like a lot to you, but it is actually a much healthier weight, especially if you remain active.  Don't decrease your exercise; rather, increase your food intake with healthy proteins and fats to 1800-2000 calories per day.  Also, make sure you consume enough carbs in the 1-3 hours prior to exercising, so that your body will have them available for fuel and will not need to burn any fat.

You may see a return of your menses within a month of getting up to a good body fat level; however, exactly what this level is will depend on your individual body.  Everybody is different.  Be patient, and once you see your cycles return, you can probably hold that weight as a healthy weight for you.

Good luck!