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 intuition and pursued healing from Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) with Cynthia. She emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and not blindly trusting doctors. Bailee shares her journey of overcoming infertility and achieving pregnancy through period recovery.

Apply for coaching w/Cynthia: 

https://p.bttr.to/3ybjfOb 

Need guidance in period recovery eating? Check out this FREE Meal Plan from Cynthia

Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist

For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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, Holly found herself in and out of eating disorder treatment centers, where she would regain her period only to lose it again.
• Frustrated but determined, she discovered the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM), an approach to understanding and tracking fertility cycles.
• Holly emphasizes how FAM became a pivotal tool in her journey, allowing her to stay attuned to her body's needs in terms of exercise, nutrition, and rest.
• As an acupuncturist, she acknowledges the supportive role of Chinese Medicine in recovery but underscores that it doesn't directly address Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA).

Living Fully Recovered:

• Now fully recovered, Holly shares the profound impact it has had on her life, from flourishing in her acupuncture practice to embracing motherhood and reclaiming a sense of vitality.
• She reflects on how being in tune with her body through FAM has been instrumental in her overall well-being.

Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:
https://p.bttr.to/3ybjfOb 

Need guidance in eating? Check out this FREE Meal Plan from Cynthia

Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist

Connect with Holly:
http://www.rosebudwellness.com/

Holly is a certified Fertility Awareness Method Educator, Licensed Acupuncturist and Arvigo Abdominal Massage Therapist. Her passion for working with periods and fertility stems from a long history of personal cycle issues. After struggling with hypothalamic amenorrhea for nearly 10 years, and trying every holistic treatment modality out there, Holly began studying the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). Holly has personally used FAM for natural pregnancy prevention, conceiving her daughter and to restore her cycle in the postpartum phase. In her practice, Rosebud Wellness, Holly works with women all over the world teaching them to chart their cycles using FAM and to optimize their fertility for conception. She also has an in person body work space where she offers acupuncture and abdominal massage to her local community in Ojai, CA.

For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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.

The conversation takes an emotional turn as we tackle the shame and fear that often accompany discussions about weight and health. Sarah's candid account of her struggles and the support she found in the period recovery community and friends who looked beyond her size highlights the importance of redefining health on our own terms.

We recount the steps she took to regain her menstrual cycle, emphasizing the mental hurdles and societal misconceptions she overcame. Leaving you the motivation to do the same !

Listen in to hear how Sarah found a happy healthy weight for her while maintaining a regular period !

Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:
https://p.bttr.to/3ybjfOb 

Need guidance in eating? Check out this FREE Meal Plan from Cynthia

Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist

For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 steps for overcoming ambivalence include self-reflection, setting realistic goals, and embracing uncertainty.

"Ambivalence relates to almost every single little thing in period recovery."

"Getting support is one of the biggest things that will move you forward in recovery."

"Conflicting desires may come up in the form of other people who cannot make sense of your recovery."


Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:
https://p.bttr.to/3ybjfOb 

Need guidance in eating? Check out this FREE Meal Plan from Cynthia

Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist

For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 conversation peels back the societal layers dictating body norms, and we offer practical advice for those feeling stifled by expectations that can disrupt the healing process.

Weight gain fears and the desire for control are real hurdles in period recovery, but together, Caitie and I share personal stories and client experiences that illuminate the path to acceptance. Learn how to replace compulsive behaviors with ones that honor your well-being, and understand why nurturing your body and mind is pivotal for true healing. We explore the depth of these emotional landscapes, offering solace and support to anyone seeking to navigate these complex waters.

Confidence and resilience in a world brimming with judgment are not just ideas but necessary tools. We discuss how to build them by nourishing your body, taking risks aligned with your values, and practicing self-forgiveness. End the episode feeling empowered, knowing that our community is here to support each step towards reclaiming not only your period but a life enriched with self-compassion. Join us on this transformative journey as we continue to break stigmas and build strength in body image resilience.

Caitie Corradino is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, eating disorder recovery coach, body image expert, Personal Trainer, Registered Yoga Teacher, and breathwork facilitator. She combines nutrition counseling with movement and a powerful toolkit of somatic healing modalities to help women heal from binge eating, yo-yo dieting, food anxiety, eating disorders, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, GI issues, and more. She provides 1:1 counseling services and group retreats at her practice, Full Soul Nutrition.

Some fun facts:
Caitie is a full-time nomad! She's currently parked in Lisbon, Portugal, where she has a digital nomad visa. 
Caitie is a genuinely extroverted person that is truly energized by connecting with people.
While Caitie no longer dances "formally," she's a forever dancer - she loves taking dance classes, dance fitness classes, and multiple daily kitchen dance breaks
A few of her favorite things are: coffee, sunrises, playlists for every mood, candles, Ted Lasso, truffle fries, dogs, bathtubs, her friends, the moon, journaling, and being a Scorpio

Get in touch with Caitie: fullsoulnutrition.com

@caitie.c.rd on Insta 

Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:
https://p.bttr.to/3ybjfOb 
Need guidance in eating? Check out this FREE Meal Plan from Cynthia
Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com  
Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist

For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 professionals.

Together, we peel back the layers of disordered eating, hormonal contraception, and menstrual health, highlighting the profound need for transparent communication and comprehensive education. Our discussion ventures into the labyrinth of transitioning off hormonal contraceptives, addressing post-pill amenorrhea, and underlines the importance of equipping women with the necessary tools to make empowered healthcare decisions. We confront the controversial Washington Post article featuring Nicole, sparking a crucial conversation about women's rights in healthcare choices and the political undertones that often muddy the waters.

Wrapping up, we tackle the challenges of a fragmented medical system and the merits of seeking holistic care.


Where to find Nicole?
https://www.instagram.com/nicole.bendayan/
https://www.tiktok.com/@nicole.bendayan

**Apply for Period Recovery coaching w/Cynthia**
https://p.bttr.to/3ybjfOb 

Need guidance in eating? Check out this FREE Meal Plan from Cynthia

Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist

For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 moves us forward.

Katy's experience as a marathon enthusiast provides valuable insights for all of us who juggle the love for intense fitness with our body's need for balance. This episode peels back the curtain on the complex relationship between vigorous training and menstrual health, offering hope and practical guidance for listeners who may be grappling with similar challenges. 

Katy's transformation - regaining her menstrual cycle while still embracing her passion for running - serves as an inspiring testament to the power of rest, proper nutrition, and listening to one's body.

Finally, we celebrate the incredible impact of community support on Katy's path to healing. Through shared struggles and triumphs, Katy's narrative underscores that period recovery is not merely a physical process but a journey that can enhance every aspect of life. From improved relationships and career satisfaction to the joy of meals without anxiety, this conversation is a stirring reminder of the freedom that awaits on the other side of fear and restriction. So join us, and be uplifted by the collective strength that comes from a supportive network as we navigate the road to wellness together.

Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:
https://p.bttr.to/3ybjfOb 

Need guidance in eating? Check out this FREE Meal Plan from Cynthia

Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist

For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 traverse the importance of communication, understanding, and the delicate art of support without overstepping. Dylan's insight into the nuances of being a pillar while ensuring his own self-care illuminates the balance that is often unspoken, but vital in navigating recovery together. His reflections on life post-recovery are a testament to the ongoing commitment to sustain healthy habits and the positive ripple effects they have on a relationship.

We wrap up with a heartfelt discussion on the power of joy and acceptance, particularly in an era dominated by social media comparison. Dylan's approach to embracing change, especially in the context of weight gain, offers a perspective on expressing unconditional love that goes beyond the physical. His experiences serve as invaluable guidance for anyone walking alongside a loved one on their journey to wellness, and a reminder that the strength found in shared victories and understanding is immeasurable.

Apply for coaching w/Cynthia: https://p.bttr.to/3ybjfOb 

Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist

For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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, she’s glad she didn’t let that hold her back. 

She joined Cynthia’s program in May 2023 and so far has recovered multiple periods & now is living her BEST life ! 

In this episode:

• Isabelle gives you the deets on how to overcome period recovery when its taking too long
• How morality of food & perfectionism fueled her missing period 
• How she wishes she started period recovery sooner (yes, even before her wedding) 
• How she worked with another nutritionist and she was misinformed 
• Digging deep into why you want to change your relationship with food & body
• Recovery hope when you are feeling stuck 

Apply for coaching w/Cynthia: https://p.bttr.to/3ybjfOb 

Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist

For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 believe
• PCOS & HA 
• AMH levels & how they relate  to missing periods 
• You should ask your doctors many important questions to get the answers you need (especially if they aren’t asking you the right questions) 
• Since stress is such a big factor when it comes to HA, how we internalize and take on stress is important to recognize how it could prevent your period from returning 

Want to be a part of HA research?  Click Here or call 904-953-9805

Connect with Cynthia: 

Apply for Coaching: https://p.bttr.to/3ybjfOb 

Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist

For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com