227: Navigating Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, PCOS misdiagnosis, & Luteal Phase Deficiency with dietitian Cynthia Donovan

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 

LinkedIn

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

As a Sports Dietitian for NCAA, professional, and recreational athletes alike, I know how powerful nutrition can be. I also know how quickly a female athlete can fall into the trap of under fueling which severely limits their health. That’s why I’m sharing my knowledge of female-specific nutrition, training, body image, and mindset to help you fuel your body to perform at your highest level. Whether you are looking for a competitive edge with your nutrition training and mindset, or looking to overcome harmful nutrition habits and body acceptance, you’ve come to the right place!