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...

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...

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...

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...

Isabelle is an accountant who lives in the state of Washington with her husband who is a nurse, Dylan. Isabelle grew up in a family of women who had a lot to say about their bodies. Isabelle decided to get ready for her senior prom and that’s when it all really began. Isabelle was also married in the depths of her eating disorder and she was scared into recovery when she found out all the health implications that come along with a missing period. Her biggest FEAR-weight gain. Needless to say,...

Dr. Shufelt is leading the way when it comes to hypothalamic amenorrhea research! Dr. Shufelt is the Chair of the Division of General Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Florida. If you want to know the most updated information when it comes to HA, this is a MUST LISTEN episode!  We talk about it all today, including: HA is underreported, understudied, and undertreated, but it is much more common than we believePCOS & HA AMH levels & how they relate  to missing periods You should...

Laura is a busy working mom of 3 young kids, sharing her struggle with unexplained infertility, lack of food freedom, and waiting longer than she expected to get her period back. Laura spills the beans on what it took to navigate the challenges of her missing period amidst the chaos of a full-time working Mom. We dive into some juicy insights that Laura learned on her road to recovery: The myth of unexplained infertility gets busted wide open - there's always a why behind the what.Ready for a...

Erin is a medical student in her 20s who lost her period after going on a restrictive diet due to digestive issues and exercise. Thinking she was her healthiest self, her Mom & Grandma thought differently. She shares how she flipped the script from rigid routines to relishing life's little joys. It's a real story about finding balance in health,  with lessons and inspiration for your own period recovery journey.  In this episode: How Erin navigated gluten-free diets and a misdiagnosis...

Joined today by my friend and colleague Lindsey Lusson, we talk all about our brand new Period Recovery Practitioner Program (PRP)! If you are any type of health practitioner, then this episode is for you - we want to support other healthcare practitioners on how to appropriately support women who are experiencing hypothalamic amenorrhea. Key points we delve into: Statistics on the prevalence of HAWhy all healthcare providers need to know about HAWhat you won’t learn in books and research...

Welcome to our first episode of the Period Recovery Podcast for 2024! Have you worked with a naturopath before? Dr. Kela and I talk about this topic in how it relates to missing periods. Dr. Kela experienced HA herself and now is a renowned Holistic-Integrative Doctor. Our conversation will enlighten you on your experience with a naturopath or support you in deciding if one might be a good fit for you.  Key points we delve into: The menstrual cycle is a vital indicator of health, and...

Welcome to our last episode of the Period Recovery Podcast for 2023!! Reagan is a Registered Nurse and former Semi-Pro College Runner. Regan has regained her period for 6+ months now. We dive into her journey, exploring the ups and downs of losing her period and the steps she took to successfully reclaim it while running. In this episode:  Experiencing the loss of a period can surprisingly be a blessing, serving as a wake-up call to reconnect and listen to your body's needs.The joy of...

Welcome to another episode of the Period Recovery Podcast! In this week's engaging episode of the podcast, I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Emily Everton, an expert Women's Health Doctor of Physical Therapy and the founder of Embody Physical Therapy & Wellness. Emily brings a unique perspective to the table, sharing not just her professional insights but also her personal experiences with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA). Throughout our discussion, we delve into several...

As the festive season rolls in, we're all aware of the joy and the stress that come hand-in-hand with the holidays. In today's episode, I'll be sharing some thoughtful strategies to navigate the challenge of a missing period during this bustling time of the year. In this episode, we'll explore period recovery during the holidays: The importance of allowing yourself to enjoy food. Remember, nourishing your body is a key step towards bringing your period back.Facing your food fears head-on....

Welcome to another episode of the Period Recovery Podcast! This week, I am joined by Brittany, a previous client of mine, to share her story! Graduating from my coaching program in the summer of 2022, she has now recovered her period for a solid year! Brittany retells her story of how she lost her period discovering HA and gaining it back while breastfeeding. In our chat today, we brought up specific points to think about when it comes to period recovery: Being a Crossfit Coach going...

Welcome to another episode of the Period Recovery Podcast! Join me as I sit down with the remarkable Jenna Corsi. As a registered dietician, certified intuitive eating counselor, and body image coach, Jenna has a wealth of knowledge on fostering a positive relationship with food and oneself. Today, we dive deep into the topic of body image and its pivotal role in the journey of period recovery. During our conversation, Jenna sheds light on some invaluable advice: Comfort and confidence...

Welcome to another episode of the Period Recovery Podcast! This week, I'm thrilled to share an inspiring conversation with Katrina, a remarkable former client of mine. Katrina grew up as an athlete & never thought her active & over-achieving lifestyle was hurting her. Katrina opens up about losing her period & how she got it back in record time. She also shares all of the challenges she faced when she lost her period and the triumphant moment she reclaimed it. In our chat,...

For all the dancers and former dancers out there !! Join me today as I talk with Maria Dancer! Maria, better known as the Dance Scientist on Instagram, is a podcast host who has a ton of background in dance as a former dancer. Today we talk about dance and missing periods, as well as connecting the two of them together. Listen in for more: A missing period is like an injury; you aren’t in any pain or anything like that, but it still should be treated as if you have an injury regardless if...

This is a MUST listen episode for anyone worried about what can happen with your metabolism & health when your period is missing.  Join me today as I sit down with the accomplished Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, founder and medical director of the Gaudiani Clinic. In today’s episode, we delve deep into missing menstrual periods, discussing not just the hows and whys, but also the medical complexities surrounding it. Together, we unravel some thought-provoking insights: Everyone's metabolism...

Today I chat with Gabrielle who is now halfway through her natural pregnancy. As a licensed clinical social worker with a specialization in treating eating disorders, Gabrielle not only shares professional wisdom but also opens up about her own journey with eating disorders and a missing period. Together, we explore some profoundly personal topics: Gabrielle’s story with HAUnpacking the guilt that many with eating disorders & missing periods grapple with. While the origins of disordered...

Becca a Physical Therapist and former fitness enthusiast just welcomed her first baby in August of 2023.. She takes us on her inspiring journey, detailing her challenges with fertility treatments, the heartache of being told she might never conceive, and the eventual joy of her pregnancy. Join us as we delve into some deeply personal insights: The importance of seeking support outside of close friends and family: They can offer comfort, but might not fully grasp the emotional roller coaster...

Today, I'm thrilled to chat with the wonderful Kaely McDevitt, a registered dietitian with a passion for women's health nutrition. Today we talk ALL things birth control- this episode is a MUST listen for anyone that's ever been on the pill or prescribed the pill.  Tune in as we explore some key insights: The challenge with birth control lies in the lack of comprehensive information available, preventing us from making truly informed choices.Significant hormonal shifts, like those...

Welcome to another episode of the Period Recovery Podcast! Today, I have the opportunity to speak with one of my past clients, Gianna! She was born in 1994 and lives in  California. In this episode, Gianna shares her exciting story of losing her period not once, but twice, and how she ultimately got it back and is happily pregnant! Listen in to hear more about:  “ I didn’t have any positive expectations that this [this being my period] was something I could do naturally - I had not had a...

Welcome to this exciting episode of the Period Recovery Podcast! Today, I have the pleasure of chatting with a fellow dietitian and friend, Lindsey, who specializes in sports nutrition. Naturally, our conversation today will be centered around everything athletic! Listen in to hear more about:  The body's inability to distinguish between exercise and genuine danger leads it to prioritize energy for movement above all else. The power of a natural, regular, and predictable menstrual cycle,...