In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a sports dietitian, and entrepreneur is joined by returning guest Cynthia Donovan, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA). They discuss the pressures on women to maintain certain body images, and how these issues can lead to conditions such as HA and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).

Cynthia explains the importance of comprehensive hormonal panels and differentiates HA from other conditions like PCOS. The conversation covers ovulation tracking, luteal phase defects, and the impact of various birth control methods on menstrual health. Listeners are encouraged to become more self-aware about their bodies and the critical role of proper nutrition and rest in achieving true health. Resources and further reading materials are provided to help women navigate these challenges.

Episode Highlights:

01:24 Meet Cynthia Donovan: Expert in Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
02:32 Understanding Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA)
04:30 The Impact of HA on Women's Health
05:34 Misdiagnosis and the Need for More Research
07:53 Comparing HA and PCOS
13:13 Lab Work and Diagnosis for HA
19:43 Luteal Phase Defect and Its Implications
27:01 Hormonal Health and Pregnancy Challenges
27:49 Postpartum and Breastfeeding Considerations
29:14 The Importance of Fueling the Body
29:57 Behavioral Changes and Motherhood
31:29 Understanding Luteal Phase Deficiency
33:32 Tracking Ovulation and Body Awareness
35:38 Nutrition and Energy Needs
39:39 Writing a Book on Female Athlete Nutrition
42:20 The Role of the Menstrual Cycle in Health
46:46 Tracking Ovulation with an IUD
50:21 Conclusion and Resources

Cynthia Donovan is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in helping women recover from Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA). Drawing from both personal and professional insights, Cynthia founded the Recipe for a Period in 2020, guiding hundreds of women toward reclaiming their periods, restoring fertility, and achieving true health. Her holistic approach empowers women to balance fitness, nutrition, and well-being. Outside of her work, Cynthia enjoys exploring nature, traveling, rock climbing, and making memories with her two energetic boys.

Resources for the Audience

HA Fact Sheet

More from Cynthia

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist/ TikTok: @period.nutritionist

Website: www.periodnutritionist.com

The Period Recovery Podcast: https://www.periodnutritionist.com/podcast

Free Period Recovery Guide: https://prodigious-knitter-1788.kit.com/dfdff8e4ae

For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to:

http://www.lindseycortes.com/

Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds

227: Navigating Hypothalamic Amenorrhea,...