#153: Kathryn Stewart on Missing Periods & Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: Food, Exercise, and Female Health
Mon Feb 02 2026
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 betterEPISODE 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 hereIf 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.
Music b LiQWYD Free download: hypeddit.com/link/xxtopb [http://hypeddit.com/link/xxtopb] Promoted by FreeMusicPromo [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbycji-eySnM3WD8mbxPUSQ] / @freemusicpromo
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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 betterEPISODE 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 hereIf 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. Music b LiQWYD Free download: hypeddit.com/link/xxtopb [http://hypeddit.com/link/xxtopb] Promoted by FreeMusicPromo [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbycji-eySnM3WD8mbxPUSQ] / @freemusicpromo