The Hidden Cost of Under-Fueling: Why Female Athletes Lose Their Periods & How To Get It Back with Reilly Beatty, MS, RD, CSSD
Description
Many female athletes think losing their period is a normal part of training, but it’s actually a sign their body is under too much stress and not getting enough fuel.
In this episode, Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, sits down with sports dietitian Riley Beatty, founder of the Performance Fueling Club, to talk about hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), aka losing your period due to underfueling.
Riley explains why HA happens, how to spot the warning signs (like fatigue, hair loss, or frequent injuries), and what it really takes to restore your period and optimize performance. They also discuss the myths around body weight and performance, the role of key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, and how under-fueling can impact long-term health and bone strength.
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, recreational runner, or just someone who wants to feel strong and balanced, this episode will help you understand how fueling better supports your hormones, health, and performance.
🎧 Listen to learn:
- What hypothalamic amenorrhea is and why it happens
- How to recognize early signs of low energy availability
- Why fueling enough (especially carbs!) is essential for performance
- How athletes can safely regain their period and protect long-term health
Follow Reilly at @easy.sports.nutrition or visit her website.
Have questions or want to request a show topic? DM us @greenletes
Check out Natalie's book 📕: Planted Performance
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