Mark your calendars for November 21st! I'm hosting my Welcome to the Science of Getting Your Period Back Live Training and I hope to see you there! In today's episode I'm talking about my multifaceted approach to recovering a regular menstrual cycle, regaining confidence in managing your own nutrition, valuing rest, and and cultivating mental well-being. I'm sharing insights from my personal journey and from my experiences working with my amazing clients. I've worked with so many wonde...
In this episode, Cynthia Donovan welcomes Allison to discuss her journey through HA and period recovery. Everyone's situation is so unique, but there is power in hearing shared experiences. Allison talks about what it felt like to have so much mental energy focused on food and food rules. She also talks about her perspective as a medical student and cross fit athlete, and how she ultimately learned to find work-outs and eating plans that were right for her body. Whether your goal is pregnancy...
In this episode, Cynthia welcomes guest Greta Jarvis to discuss the challenges and misconceptions they've experienced surrounding Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) in both athletes and active women. They are dedicated to education and advocacy for athletes, coaches, and parents to give as much healthy support as possible to girls and women of all ages. Cynthia and Greta explore the broader cultural issues related to body image including doctor visits, athlete and coach dynamics, and the vital impo...
Today's episode covers part 2 of Cynthia's journey with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA). Cynthia recounts the difficult decision to give up cross fit, her extreme discomfort in gaining weight, fertility treatments, finally becoming pregnant, giving birth and ultimately getting her period back. Along the way she took every opportunity to learn about meditation, rest, and intuitive eating. If you want to start at the beginning check out part 1 from episode 90. Sign up for my LIVE training: O...
In this podcast episode, Eva shares her experience with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, detailing her struggles with irregular periods and the emotional toll of HA-related health challenges. She discusses the shift from performance-focused training to prioritizing recovery and self-care. Eva found a real freedom in overcoming her fears of losing her athletic identity. This is so important to highlight because we are so much more than our physical appearance or our personal best stats. Eva lear...
In this conversation, Cynthia and Silba break down the reasons for pleasure feeling like such a taboo topic for many women. They explore the ties between body connection and true intimacy with yourself or with a partner. Pleasure not just as a fleeting experience; it's a natural state of being that arises from alignment with oneself. Silba shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her body. The discussion also delves into the distinction between real pleasure, which nourishes and...
In this episode, we delve into the transformative journey of turning 40, a milestone that often prompts deep self-reflection and reevaluation of life's priorities. I’m here to say that perfect fitness, elite athleticism and the all-consuming obsession of thinness are potential hazards on any health journey. I’m also here to say that I’ve done it alone and I’ve done it in community, and it’s MUCH more effective to overcome HA with help. Whether you're approaching this milestone or reflec...
Maintaining personal health can often feel like a secondary priority, especially if you have a physically demanding job. Sophie, a former military personnel, shares her transformative journey from strict discipline to a balanced lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of personal well-being. Sophie’s story begins with her rigorous routine of intense exercise and strict dieting, driven by the pressures of military expectations. She recalls, "I was so committed to working out, maybe even three ti...
Imagine living in a world where your body feels like it's constantly on high alert, even when there's no immediate danger. This is the reality for many experiencing nervous system dysregulation. In a recent conversation with Kelly Burnett, a nervous system coach, we explored how this condition affects women, particularly those dealing with anxiety, chronic symptoms, and burnout. Kelly shared her personal journey of battling severe health issues, from chronic pain to brain fog, which she later...
Today we are so excited to have Dr. Nicola Sykes revisit the podcast! She's here to encourage women with a missing period to get the care they need by clearing up some all-too common misunderstandings. Dr. Sykes also shares insights from her article Where AI Gets it Wrong: https://www.noperiodnowwhat.com/post/where-ai-gets-it-wrong HA Studies referenced in the podcast: Amenorrhea-Related Cardiovascular Health (ARCH) study: http://noperiod.info/ARCH - intake questionnaire https://www.may...
Our conversation today is so relatable. In this episode, Cynthia interviews Kaitlin Feda about her journey recovering her menstrual cycle after experiencing period loss due to restrictive eating and exercise habits. Kaitlin shares her struggles with body image, the impact of societal pressures, and the importance of community support during her recovery. She discusses the emotional challenges of repairing relationships on the other side of HA. The conversation emphasizes the significance of s...
In this podcast episode, Cynthia Donovan and Stephanie Lauri discuss the critical role of nutrition during pregnancy. They explore the gaps in prenatal nutrition education, the importance of balanced meals, and how to manage food aversions and nausea. Stephanie shares practical tips for expecting mothers to optimize their nutrition while maintaining a realistic and flexible approach to eating. Cynthia and Stephanie emphasize the importance of hydration, managing constipation, and the ne...
In today’s episode, Cynthia Donovan, MS RD & Lindsey Cortes MS RD CSSD, dive into the overlooked connection between nutrition, cortisol, and period recovery—especially for active women and female athletes. If you’ve ever wondered why your workouts feel harder, your period is missing, or your sleep is off, this episode is for you. Cynthia & Lindsey explore: Why female athletes have unique nutritional and hormonal needsThe impact of body image and restrictive eating on menstrual healthH...
In this episode of the Period Recovery Podcast, Drew shares her experience working with Cynthia to regain her period. From conditioning to fixate on thinness to the misconceptions of healthy living, Drew discusses how her experiences led her to seek support and the importance of accountability in the recovery process. The conversation highlights the complexities of women's health and the need for a holistic approach to recovery. Drew shares her journey of period recovery, discussing the...
Today Cynthia welcomes Caitie Corradino, the founder of Full Soul Nutrition to talk about the best ways to care for our bodies. Caitie is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, eating disorder recovery coach, body image expert, Certified Personal Trainer, Registered Yoga Teacher, breathwork facilitator, and reiki healer. She combines nutrition counseling with body image counseling and a toolkit of somatic healing modalities to help you feel more alive. To...
In this conversation Cynthia and Dr. Morgan Francis discuss the complexities of body image and its profound impact on mental health. They emphasize the importance of understanding body image beyond eating disorders, highlighting its influence on various aspects of life, including relationships and sexual health. The discussion also covers the role of family dynamics in shaping body image perceptions, the distinction between body neutrality and body positivity, and the unique challenges faced ...
Silba is a behavioral scientist, somatic coach, and sensuality educator passionate about helping ambitious women with a big heart reconnect to their bodies, rekindle their pleasure, and reclaim their full feminine expression so they can safely be themselves. With eleven years of experience in human fulfillment—first as a consultant for organisations in London and for the past six years working 1:1 with clients and leading talks and workshops worldwide, Silba brings a unique blend of science, ...
Cynthia welcomes back the wonderful Elena Kunicki, RD to discuss trying to get your period back as an athlete or as an active person. We know it's a hard pill to swallow but we're big believers in rest days. We want to encourage you to build up your nutrition and your hormonal health in recovery from hypothalamic amenorrhea. We're also talking about cardiovascular health, finding joy beyond exercise, and the importance of building a strong foundation for future performance. Elena is a Regis...
In this episode, Cynthia and Jayden discuss Jayden's inspiring journey through period recovery, her struggles with an eating disorder, and the joy of becoming pregnant. They explore the fears and challenges faced during recovery, the importance of supportive people, and the transformative changes that come with embracing a healthier lifestyle. So many insights into what it's like to have this newfound freedom! Takeaways Jayden had always dreamed of having a baby girl and the fear of not being...
In this episode of the Period Recovery Podcast, Cynthia welcomes Beckah Sims, who shares her personal journey of recovery from Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) and her experiences with disordered eating and body image issues. Beckah discusses her struggles with maintaining a healthy relationship with food and exercise, particularly during the pandemic, and how these challenges impacted her ability to conceive a baby. The conversation delves into the emotional and physical toll of HA, ...