The Period Recovery Podcast

In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Chrisandra Shufelt , one of the world's leading researchers in Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, to discuss exciting new findings from the largest HA studies to date. For years, women with missing periods have been told to simply "go on birth control" or have struggled to find answers from healthcare providers. Now, new research is beginning to uncover what HA...

Lauren spent years doing everything she thought was healthy: tracking food, exercising constantly, staying disciplined, and chasing the perfect body. On the outside, she looked like she had it all together. On the inside, she had lost her period, her freedom, and much of the joy in her life. In this episode, Lauren shares her journey through Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) recovery and the surprising...

Cynthia Donovan sits down with Dr. Jen Gaudiani, physician and author of Sick Enough , to unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA): you do not need to have an eating disorder to lose your period. Together, they explore how under-nutrition, over-exercise, stress, and biological individuality can disrupt menstrual cycles, even in women who believe they are eating...

What happens when you finally get your period back… only to lose it again? In this deeply honest conversation, Cynthia sits down with Audrey to talk about her experience with hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), exercise obsession, food rigidity, perfectionism, and the identity crisis that can happen during recovery. Audrey shares how calorie counting, overexercise, and chasing the “healthy girl” image s...

If someone you love is recovering from hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), period loss, or disordered eating, this episode is for you. Cynthia Donovan shares what women in HA recovery wish their partners, parents, family, and friends understood about weight gain, food fears, exercise loss, fertility struggles, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm during recovery. In this episode: What NOT to say to someone...

If you’ve lost your period, are struggling with hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), or feel like you’re doing  everything right  but still not seeing results, this episode will open your eyes to a missing piece most women overlook. In this conversation, Cynthia Donovan, Registered Dietitian and period recovery expert, sits down with breathwork and nervous system coach Sally Davidson to explore how chron...

In this episode of The Period Recovery Podcast, Cynthia talks with Julia about her journey through hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), being told IVF was likely her next step, and how she got her period back naturally before going on to become a mom. Julia shares what life looked like when she was over-exercising, under-fueling, and being praised for looking “healthy” while her period was missing. She o...

If you feel like you are doing everything “right” in period recovery but still do not have your period back, this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I am talking about something so many women experience during hypothalamic amenorrhea recovery but rarely say out loud: living in your head during recovery. Maybe you are eating more, resting more, cutting back on exercise, and trying so hard to f...

 What do you wear when your body is changing in missing period recovery? In this conversation, Cynthia Donovan and Nicole Garfunkel talk about the part of hypothalamic amenorrhea recovery that no one really prepares you for: getting dressed in a changing body. From cleaning out your closet to shopping for clothes that actually fit, to handling summer clothes, swimsuits, and body image triggers, th...

In this episode, Cynthia Donovan, period nutritionist and women’s health advocate, sits down with Laura Ligos, RDN, a registered dietitian with 14 years of experience in women’s health, fertility, and hormonal health. Together, they unpack the reality many women face when navigating fertility treatments like IVF and IUI — including dismissal by healthcare providers, rushed timelines, and a lack of...

In this episode of The Period Recovery Podcast, I’m sitting down with Sarah, a registered dietitian and former D1 swimmer, to talk about what it looks like when you “technically never really had a period,” get placed on birth control as a teenager, and then come off the pill years later… only to realize your body still isn’t ovulating. Sarah shares what it was like being told “it’s normal” because...

Have you been eating more, resting more, doing all the “right” things for period recovery and still feel anxious, stuck, or mentally exhausted? You’re not crazy. And you’re not alone. In this episode of The Period Recovery Podcast , Cynthia Donovan, registered dietitian and period recovery expert, speaks directly to the woman who feels like she traded one obsession for another  from food and exerc...

Cynthia and Leslie discuss body image, diet culture, and the importance of body trust and diversity. They explore the journey of intuitive eating, the generational influences on body image, and the necessity of setting boundaries in a culture that often promotes unhealthy ideals. The discussion emphasizes the significance of accepting your new normal, self-compassion, values-based living, and the...

For our first episode of the year Cynthia has invited Caitie Corradino to discuss the importance of slowing down in life, particularly in relation to body image and self-care, even though it is very uncomfortable. Caitie compares slowing down in this way to what it might feel like to sit in fire. This is a very painful thing to overcome. They explore the challenges of making time for oneself, the...

You don't have to DIY period recovery. In this podcast episode, Gemma Atkinson shares the journey of regaining her period, discussing the challenges she faced over 10+ years, the importance of support, and the transformative power of self-acceptance. She reflects on how her life has changed since embracing a more flexible and nourishing approach to health, emphasizing the significance of rest, com...

Today's episode is a message from the heart to all the women who haven't gotten their period back yet. Yes the year is coming to a close, but let's shift away from focusing on time and instead focus on the life you're building. You're learning to eat, sleep, work and think in new ways. It's ok to ask for help. It's ok to rest. It's ok to give your body time to heal.  Apply for coaching w/Cynthia: ...

In this heartfelt interview, Cynthia talks with Eme about her journey through period recovery, fertility challenges, and embracing a balanced lifestyle. Eme shares her experiences of overcoming societal pressures, finding peace with her body, and the joy of natural pregnancy after years of IVF. The conversation highlights the importance of support, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of...

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 jour...

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 learne...

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 iss...

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...

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 b...

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...

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...

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 pressur...