The Period Recovery Podcast

In this episode, Cynthia discusses the five biggest mistakes women make when trying to recover their periods from Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA). These mistakes include: Not eating enoughOver-exercising Not gaining enough weightStaying in a constant state of stressLacking patience with the recovery process Cynthia emphasizes the importance of addressing these mistakes in order to restore hormonal balance, improve overall health, and achieve long-term period recovery. She also highlights the nee...

Sarah shares her journey of regulating her menstrual cycle and conceiving two children. She initially experienced irregular periods after coming off birth control, which led her to make lifestyle changes. She stopped intermittent fasting, ate more balanced meals, and dialed back her intense exercise routine. Through these changes, she was able to regulate her cycle and conceive her first child. After nursing her first child, she got her period back and was able to conceive her second child. S...

Natalie Rose shares her journey of struggling with body image, dieting, and disordered eating, as well as her path to recovery and becoming a therapist specializing in disordered eating. She emphasizes that disordered eating and body image issues can impact quality of life, even if a person hasn't lost their period.Natalie discusses the normalization of calorie counting and dieting, and how these behaviors can become obsessive and harmful. She also highlights the importance of community suppo...

In this conversation, Cynthia and Caitie discuss body image and the challenges that come with it, particularly during the summer season. They emphasize the importance of working towards healing for your overall well-being. They also explore the normalization of body image struggles and the need to redefine what is considered normal. The conversation touches on topics such as bathing suits, social events, and the vulnerability of exposing one's body. They encourage listeners to prioritize thei...

Erietta is from Greece and lost her period due to a combination of stress, excessive exercise, and weight loss even though she never was pursuing trying to change her body or become 'more fit'. She initially ignored the signs that her body was giving her that something was up with her period and continued her lifestyle. Prior to working with Cynthia she decided to pursue fertility treatment and successfully got pregnant through IVF. However, after her Son was 1 years old, she still felt the n...

In this conversation, Bria Gadd and Cynthia discuss the topic of periods and the challenges faced by women in their mid to late thirties and beyond. They explore the impact of factors such as exercise, nutrition, stress, and sleep on menstrual health. Bria shares her personal experience of losing her period and the journey to understanding the role of hormones and the transition of menopause. They emphasize the importance of listening to our bodies, finding balance in our lifestyle, and recog...

In this solo podcast episode, Cynthia discusses the five biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) or missing periods. She starts by addressing the mainstream medical approach to HA, which often involves prescribing birth control pills. Cynthia emphasizes that her approach as a registered dietitian is different and aims to provide better information for making informed decisions. She also highlights that HA is a global issue and can affect individuals of all sh...

Bailee a teacher & nature enthusiast from Utah, shares her journey of losing her period and struggling with infertility. She discusses the societal pressures and body comparisons that contributed to her disordered eating and exercise habits. Bailee recounts her experiences with various doctors who were unable to provide a clear diagnosis or effective treatment. She hired a functional med doctor which drew her deeper into HA. Despite being told she had PCOS, Bailee trusted her intuit...

In today's episode, we sit down with Holly, a past client, a certified acupuncturist who shares her remarkable journey from missing periods + eating disorders to regular healthy cycles !Holly opens up about her experience with birth control, having been on and off it for over a decade.Seeking alternatives, she delved into Chinese medicine, hoping to restore her period without facing potential weight gain, a common concern with Hormonal Amenorrhea (HA).Navigating Challenges:Despite her efforts...

Past client Sarah 41, resides in Ireland and works in Ministry. Just like you, Sarah wondered- will I always be this weight? When Sarah stepped into the spotlight to share her deeply personal journey of battling the fear of weight gain during period recovery, she not only opened her heart but also paved the way for a profound discussion about body image, health, and self-acceptance. This episode is a celebration of doing the healthiest thing for her body despite societal pressure....

In this SOLO episode, I discuss the concept of ambivalence in relation to period recovery. Key Takeaways:Ambivalence is a common experience in period recovery, as it involves conflicting desires to recover and stay in a familiar and comfortable place.Getting support is crucial in overcoming ambivalence and creating a solid foundation for recovery.Factors such as the fear of weight gain, social stigma, and past unsuccessful attempts at recovery can contribute to ambivalence.Tangible...

Caitie, a fellow Registered Dieitian and I sit down to talk about the biggest fear in period recovery. Weight gain & body changes. Struggling with body image while trying to regain your period can feel like a never ending battle, but it doesn't have to be. Caitie joins us with her expertise in nutrition and body image coaching, providing insights and strategies to help you embrace your body's natural changes and foster a positive relationship with food and exercise. Our heartfelt conversa...

Have you ever paused to consider the true weight of the words "informed consent," especially when it comes to birth control? Join me, Cynthia Donovan, and our insightful guest, Nicole Bendayan, as we shed light on the oft-overlooked nuances of women's health and empowerment. This episode is a testament to the strength and resilience of women navigating the healthcare system, where Nicole's personal narrative brings to the forefront the challenges and dismissals many face from healthcare profe...

Katy, a former physical therapist who loves running marathons, lost her period. Katy’s world turned upside down with a rare cancer diagnosis and the ensuing battle with amenorrhea, she never imagined that her fight for health would take her down a path of extreme behaviors with food + exercise. Katy’s story exposes the raw struggle many face with body image, the mental toll of living in a former larger body, and the bittersweet realization that sometimes, stepping back from exercise is what m...

When love confronts the hurdles of health, the bonds we share are tested in ways we never expect. Join us as Dylan, the devoted husband to my client Isabelle, opens up about their shared path through the complexities of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea recovery. Their story is a poignant reminder of the resilience required in the face of eating disorder battles and the profound influence of unwavering partnership on the road to healing.This episode is a tapestry of vulnerability and strength, where we...