Advertise on podcast: The Period Recovery Podcast

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 exercise to constant overthinking about getting her period back. We explore: Why period recovery can feel mentally harder than the physical changesWhy eating more and resting more doesn’t always feel calming at firstHow anxiety, overthinking, and guilt are linked to your nervous systemThe difference between intuition and old programmingSimple nervous system tools to help you get out of your head and back into your bodyThis episode is not about what to eat or how to exercise, it’s about understanding why your thoughts feel so loud, why food can feel “unsafe,” and how to create real safety in your body so hormones can heal. If you’re recovering from hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), missing your period, or struggling with anxiety during period recovery, this episode will help you feel seen, grounded, and supported.  Listen now and remind yourself: your body knows exactly what it’s doing. For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 need to navigate social pressures while fostering a healthy relationship with food and body. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Body Image and Diet Culture 04:30 Understanding Body Trust and Nutrition Intelligence 09:22 The Impact of External Validation on Body Image 15:27 Navigating Weight Loss and Health Pursuits 20:10 Finding a Neutral Relationship with Food and Body 23:13 Reality Check: The Influence of Social Media on Body Image 25:19 Navigating Conversations Around Food and Body Image 27:36 Breaking Free from Diet Culture 30:39 Setting Boundaries with Family and Friends 33:26 Reparenting Ourselves: Cultivating Self-Compassion 35:47 Redefining Health Beyond Numbers 37:48 Intentional Movement: Aligning Actions with Values 42:49 Challenging Diet Culture Thoughts 47:09 Finding Freedom from the Life Thief of Diet Culture Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist Meet our Guest:  Leslie Schilling, MA, RDN, CSCS, CEDS-C, owns a Las Vegas-based private practice specializing in nutrition counseling for disordered eating and performance nutrition for professional athletes, performers, and military personnel. In her more than twenty years in the field of sport nutrition, eating disorders, and strength and conditioning, Leslie has served in many settings including as performance nutrition consultant for Cirque du Soleil and the NBA, and an expert contributor to U.S. News & World Report. One of her favorite things to do is support registered dietitians, coaches, and other professionals working at the intersection of eating disorders and sport through professional supervision and mentorship in the Dietitian Development Hub Mighty Network Community. Check out Leslie’s latest book, Feed Yourself, about how diet culture shows up in our safest places, which is available anywhere books are sold. www.LeslieSchilling.com email: [email protected] Instagram @LeslieSchilling https://www.instagram.com/leslieschilling Feed Yourself Book - https://a.co/d/3F6wtBT Born To Eat (second edition) - https://a.co/d/7NGeznS For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 emotional aspects of slowing down, and the role of healing practitioners in supporting this journey. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in creating space for mindfulness and self-reflection, as well as the benefits of allowing oneself to feel a range of emotions. The episode concludes with practical tips for integrating these practices into daily life. Takeaways: Slowing down is a choice that must be made daily.Self-care practices should not feel forced or like another task.Experiencing discomfort is part of the process of slowing down.Creating buffers in your schedule can help reduce stress.It's important to have a supportive space when practicing mindfulness.Body avoidance can be a cozy place, but it's not healthy.Feeling emotions is essential for personal growth and healing.Practicing mindfulness can help improve body image.You don't need to achieve anything to deserve relaxation.Healing practitioners can provide valuable support in the journey of self-discovery. Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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, community, and letting go of control. Gemma's story serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar struggles, highlighting that recovery is possible and that life can be fulfilling and joyful again. Takeaways Life has been good post-recovery, with new opportunities. Recovery has led to unexpected gains in work and personal life. The importance of community support during recovery. Letting go of control is essential for healing. Rest is a crucial component of recovery. Body image issues can fluctuate during recovery. High achievement does not equate to health or happiness. Nutrition education is vital for understanding health needs. Surrendering to the process can lead to freedom. It's okay to seek help and support from others. Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.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:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 small lifestyle changes. Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 journey and from my experiences working with my amazing clients. I've worked with so many wonderful women to regain their periods, and it's never just one thing that moves the needed. We take a holistic approach to hormonal health and we do it together! Takeaways Eating breakfast first thing in the morning is crucial.Avoid exercising or walking on an empty stomach.Fuel your body with plenty of carbs and fats.Slow down mentally and physically to listen to your body.Building a relationship of trust with your body is key.Recovery is about what is enough, not more than before.Hormones thrive in safety, not hustle mode.Stress hormones impact sex hormones and overall health.Rest is not weakness; it's essential for recovery.Trusting your body is vital for hormonal health. Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 learned to find work-outs and eating plans that were right for her body. Whether your goal is pregnancy, fitness, overall health, or all of the above Allison's story will motivate you to keep trying to put your longterm health first. Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 issues related to body image including doctor visits, athlete and coach dynamics, and the vital importance of regular periods. They also talk about the need for systemic change in how we view health and athleticism. Sign up for my LIVE training:  October 24 2025  The Recipe for a Period® The Science of Getting Your Period Back Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist Contact Greta Jarvis: Check out her website: centerforactivewomen.com DM Greta on IG @centerforactivewomen Greta Jarvis, MS, MPH earned her Master of Public Health in Health Promotion from the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Master of Science in Nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine, and Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude in Latin American Studies and Public Health from Occidental College. Additionally, Greta holds certifications as an Intuitive Eating Counselor, an Integrative Health Coach with Duke Integrative Medicine, and a Spinning Instructor with Mad Dogg Athletics®.  For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 to start at the beginning check out part 1 from episode 90. Sign up for my LIVE training:  October 24 2025  The Recipe for a Period® The Science of Getting Your Period Back Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 because we are so much more than our physical appearance or our personal best stats. Eva learned how to be a high performing athlete AND still live a fulfilling life. She's even preparing for the Masters World Championships in swimming! Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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. The discussion also delves into the distinction between real pleasure, which nourishes and satisfies, and hijacked pleasure, which offers temporary satisfaction but leaves one feeling empty. The conversation emphasizes the significance of mindfulness and self-awareness in cultivating a deeper sense of pleasure and intimacy in relationships, but also deconditioning societal norms that disconnect individuals from their bodies. They discuss the importance of reconnecting with one's body the way that babies and children innocently do so we can get back to the ongoing nature of personal growth and self-acceptance. Silba is a behavioural scientist, somatic coach, and sensuality educator passionate about helping ambitious women with a big heart reconnect to their bodies, rekindle their pleasure, and reclaim their full feminine expression so they can safely be themselves. With eleven years of experience in human fulfilment—first as a consultant for organizations in London and for the past six years working 1:1 with clients and leading talks and workshops worldwide, Silba brings a unique blend of science, storytelling, and accessible strategies. Her approach is warm, creative, and playful, making personal growth feel deeply enjoyable. Silba's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silbastaffler Silba's substack: https://silbastaffler.substack.com/ Silba's website: silbastaffler.com Bites of Pleasure Podcast - find it on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/caitie-corradino0 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 more effective to overcome HA with help. Whether you're approaching this milestone or reflecting on your own journey, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on growth and self-discovery.  For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

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 pressures of military expectations. She recalls, "I was so committed to working out, maybe even three times a day, always getting my run in." This relentless pursuit of fitness, however, led to a disconnection from her own body and health. The turning point came when Sophie realized the need for a mindset shift. She began to view food as fuel and exercise as an opportunity rather than an obligation. "I was able to see food as fuel and exercise as something I got the opportunity to do," she reflects. This change not only helped her regain her health but also enriched her personal relationships and overall life satisfaction. She began to enjoy life so much more. She wanted to be around other people more and that's what really made her feel like she'd come back to herself.  Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com

Imagine living in a world where your body feels like it's constantly on high alert, even when there's no immediate danger. This is the reality for many experiencing nervous system dysregulation. In a recent conversation with Kelly Burnett, a nervous system coach, we explored how this condition affects women, particularly those dealing with anxiety, chronic symptoms, and burnout. Kelly shared her personal journey of battling severe health issues, from chronic pain to brain fog, which she later discovered were rooted in a dysregulated nervous system. This condition often goes unnoticed, as symptoms are mistakenly attributed to other health issues. For many women, especially high achievers, the pressure to excel can exacerbate these symptoms, leading to hormonal imbalances and menstrual health issues. Healing isn't just about diet and exercise; it's about compassion and connection. Kelly emphasizes the importance of self-love and acceptance in the healing process. Simple practices like journaling, gentle movement, and spending time in nature can significantly support recovery. These practices help individuals reconnect with their bodies and recognize patterns that contribute to their stress. Kelly suggests starting with small, manageable changes. Somatic tracking, a practice of observing bodily sensations without judgment, can be a powerful tool. Additionally, creating rituals like applying lotion before bed can foster a sense of safety and self-care. These practices, though simple, can make a profound difference in calming the nervous system. Understanding and addressing nervous system dysregulation is a journey of self-discovery and healing. By tuning into our bodies and embracing self-love, we can begin to alleviate the symptoms that have long been misunderstood. As Kelly's story illustrates, healing is possible, and it starts with small, intentional steps. Subscribe now to stay updated on more insights and stories about health and wellness. Apply for coaching w/Cynthia:  https://0u8h3wddwmr.typeform.com/StrategyCall Discover the truth about HA:  click the link to download Cynthia's fact sheet that debunks common myths and misinformation!  Website: https://www.periodnutritionist.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist Kelly Burnett is a nervous system coach and the founder of Kelly Burnett Health, where she helps women self-heal from chronic pain, anxiety, and fatigue by teaching them the A-Z roadmap to rewiring their brains and regulating their nervous systems. She is a graduate of the renowned Institute for Integrative Nutrition and has spent the last seven years specializing in nervous system regulation and brain retraining. After overcoming her own struggles with anxiety and chronic illness, Kelly discovered that many unexplained chronic symptoms are actually linked to a dysregulated nervous system—a connection often overlooked in traditional medicine. Now, she is bridging the gap between chronic symptoms and true healing through brain retraining, somatic practices, nervous system regulation and more. By helping women shift out of survival mode and teaching them how to cultivate safety in their brains, Kelly empowers them to reclaim their health and finally feel at home in their bodies again. Follow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyburnetthealth/ Check out Kelly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KellyBurnettHealth Email: [email protected] Kell For the full show notes - please visit my website: periodnutritionist.com