If you’ve ever been told to “just go back on the pill” when you lost your period, or you’ve been dismissed with a misdiagnosis like “PCOS type D,” this episode is a must-listen.

Today, Lindsey sits down with Dr. Chrisandra Shufelt, Chair of General Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and a leading researcher in Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA). Dr. Shufelt has spent decades studying how hormones, stress, metabolism, and lifestyle interact to influence women’s health—especially heart health.

Together, they break down:

• What FHA actually is (spoiler: it’s not just “no period”).

• Why high-functioning, health-conscious women often miss the diagnosis.

• How low estrogen + chronic stress impacts bone density, cardiovascular function, inflammation, and brain signaling—even when you feel “fine.”

• Why one in every three women with FHA may already be showing early cardiovascular changes, even in their 20s.

• How ongoing research is working to improve diagnosis, treatment, and awareness—including two major new studies that need participant voices.

  
  

This is a supportive, science-backed, empowering conversation that every active woman needs to hear.

About Our GuestDr. Chrisandra Shufelt, MD, MS

• Chair, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville

• International researcher in women’s hormonal health, cardiovascular risk, and menopause

• Principal investigator on multiple studies examining FHA and long-term health outcomes

  
  

Resources & Research Participation

Dr. Shufelt and her team are actively recruiting for two important research studies:

1. REVEAL Registry (Virtual / Worldwide)For women with missing or irregular cycles, with or without a formal diagnosis.No clinic visit required.

→ Join the REVEAL Registry: https://noperiod.info/reveal

2. ARCH FHA Study – Mayo Clinic Jacksonville (Travel Stipend Provided)A 3-month research study evaluating cardiovascular + bone health in women with FHA.Travel expenses are covered.

→ Apply for the ARCH Study: https://noperiod.info/arch

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