It’s pretty hard to believe that it’s been over a month since I took the plunge and decided to try acupuncture. It’s even harder to believe it’s been two months since I last ran and did any sort of cardio besides walking.
The past two months has been a whirlwind for me (physically and mentally) and has definitely challenged me to look past my textbook definition of “healthy” into realizing that eating healthfully and exercising isn’t necessarily healthy for everyone at all times. Right now, making sure my body is working properly is so much more important than making sure I clock in 3 miles every morning or making sure I eat “clean” at every opportunity. What I’ve found is there’s a definite portion of us who are “too healthy” — and giving that up for the time being has been liberating but definitely a little scary. I’m finding even more of a balance than I thought I could. Last week, a few of you mentioned that I was “brave” for sharing my experiences with you all. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think I am. Yes, I am sharing with all of you what I am going through, and I have found many can relate. However, I sometimes feel like a big giant complainer. I have always been the kind of person who never wants to burden others with my problems, but then again, writing all about what I have been going through has proven to be incredibly therapeutic for me. Let’s face it — I’m doing acupuncture — there’s no way I could afford therapy. 
About a week and a half ago, my TCM (traditional Chinese medicine — easier than typing out) put me on a variety of herbs to drink. Let me preface this by telling you that I do not understand the technicalities of acupuncture at all. I know that acupuncture restores energy flows and all that good stuff, but that’s about as far as I have gotten to understanding everything. The herbs that he gave me are a mixture of about 5 different ones. There are two ways to take the herbs — in powder form or in tablet form. He has me taking them in powder form, and I’m sure they get absorbed quicker this way. Basically, three times a day, I have to heat up about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of water, add a few scoops of the powder herbs into the water, and stir. Once the water has cooled down, I have to (plug my nose) and chug away. If you can’t tell based on that last sentence, they aren’t the most wonderful tasting things in the world. I’m okay with it.
I can already tell that the herbs or the acupuncture or the lifestyle changes I have made are already making a difference. It’s hard to tell just which one is what is making those changes, but I think a combination of all three is what is really making a difference. I have found myself to be much more relaxed these days. I no longer feel like I have to “go go go!!!” all the time, and I am really just giving myself time to rest. I have been a lot less of an emotional wreck too — well, I have been emotional, but in a different way. If you ask the Husband, he will be more than willing to share that I am well known for emotional outbreaks in our marriage. My hormones have been just so out of whack that I honestly COULD NOT control my reactions to certain situations. I know that sounds lame, but it’s the truth. I have noticed (with the exception of yesterday when I was incredibly tired and crabby) that my mood swings have definitely been a lot better and I feel much more level headed. I have also noticed a few other changes — but to be perfectly honest with you, they are way too TMI (even for me) to share on here. If you want to know specifics, email me — I’d be glad to have that conversation with a few people rather than thousands.
I know I mentioned earlier that I have still been emotional — but it’s been different. I suppose you could say I’ve been “weepy”, especially when listening to music. Here’s the thing too… I’ve been feeling an incredible amount of gratefulness in my heart as of late. I am so grateful and feel so blessed that if I have to deal with any sort of infertility, that this is it. I feel horrible for those people out there who have something actually wrong with their reproductive system and can’t get pregnant. What I’m going through is reversible. What I’m going through can be fixed. It was due to my poor judgment and need to be “fit” and “healthy” that this is all occurring (I think).
Other than that, I’m just plugging away — last week I did yoga twice and walked about two miles twice. It’s been nice to take a break and just “be”.
I’m hoping that within the next month I’ll see even more changes — I’ll keep you updated!
{ 87 comments… read them below or add one }
Chelsey,
I have just become a regular reader after seeing your initial announcement a couple of weeks ago. I so appreciate the honesty with with you approach your life! My best friend is an acupuncturist, and she’s been dying to have me start going. I am a type A, go-go-go, totally stressed out type of person. Training for a marathon - which I’m doing currently - is obviously not helping the situation). I’ve promised myself that as soon as it’s over, I’ll back off and try some balance-seeking activities, including yoga, acupuncture, and backing off the running.
I’ll keep coming here for inspiration.
Thanks so much for reading Sarah. As difficult as it has been, I can definitely say it is the best thing I’ve done for myself in a long long time.
Sometimes I think I forget how to breathe…this post is such a beautiful thing to share on any day, but especially for a Monday morning
I know exactly what you mean. There are so many times when I feel like I should be so grateful that my condition is treatable. Glad to hear that the acupuncture is giving you some calm and clarity. Hope all is well sweetie!
Thanks Lauren! And it has been so helpful talking to you the past few weeks. It definitely makes me feel like I’m not alone!
It is such a trip when you are not in control of your emotions- seriously not in control. It is frustrating so I’m glad to hear that you are feeling more level headed. I hated those times, especially because I pride myself in being in control of myself and my demeanor….. I’m just so stinking glad that you are feeling like you have time to breathe and not ‘go.go.go.’ quite as much. Summer will be here before we know it! Spring break?
haha oh my gosh, I am a crazy person when I can’t control my emotions. And spring break is in 18 days!!!
I’m glad to hear that acupuncture is working well for you. I’ve never tried it, but I’ve been very tempted since I get A LOT of headaches!
Last week I went in with an intense migraine that I had for four days and left without it!
Beautiful post! I have never once thought you were complaining. Honestly I love that you are sharing your journey. I know in a couple months I am going to do the same thing and I happy you plowed the waycand I know its possible to relax and ‘just be’ (and you lived to tell about it).
Happy Monday!
Thanks Becky!
you’re awesome.
xoxo
I think reading about your journey is going to help a lot of people, even those who aren’t thinking about pregnancy right now.
This is such a beautiful post Chelsey. With your incredibly positive outlook and willingness to make these difficult changes, I have no doubt you’ll continue to see improvement and eventually meet your goal. I’ve used TCM - acupuncture and herbs (they get easier to choke down!) for completely different reasons but they gave amazing results. I have no doubt they’ll do the same for you. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with everyone!
Thanks Carly - you’ve been so supportive the last few weeks for me. I can’t thank you enough.
I have really enjoyed reading your blog … thank you for sharing your life so honestly. I don’t know you … but I have gotten to know about you through reading! You have a wonderful attitude and I pray that you will continue to find peace in this season of your life. You are so right, there are times in our lives for certain things; it is so wise of you to just go with it and realize that at this time, you need to slow down - isn’t it so refreshing!?
It is pretty refreshing actually! Thanks for reading Susan!
I’m so happy to hear things are looking up for you!!!
Thanks for updating us! I’m glad everything is working for you and that you’re gaining new perspective on life and being healthy. I hope you see even more positive changes in the future!
I’m glad this is all working out for you! I was worried you’d be frustrated with the lack of exercise because I certainly feel like I would, but your new lifestyle sounds a lot more relaxing and healthy!
I was frustrated at first, and there are days where I still get frustrated - but I have to work through those days!
Chelsey- I have just started acupuncture for treatment of my migraines. When I first went to the Chinese Medicine Dr, he ran a test on me and said that my body was “unbalanced.” A lot more was said but alot was lost in translation (I’m living in Korea). Anyway, I’m excited to read about the changes you’re seeing from acupuncture and I’m now hopeful it will make a difference with me too. I’ll have to email you about more specifics!
Oh yea and I, too, was given Chinese herbs that have been made into tea. I totally relate to everything you said about that. I’m gonna post about it soon because I think this Korean variety is a little different than what you have described
Very interesting! I’m interested in hearing how your experience is different from being in Korea!
i’m SO happy to hear all of this chelsey! i love how you said, “it’s been nice to take a break and just ‘be’”… that is is so wonderful to hear. i hope things continue to go well my friend!
Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Weepiness aside, I’m glad you’re feeling more relaxed.
haha I’m definitely a weeper lately - I had a meltdown at dinner today. Poor poor husband.
Just reading about those herbs I can taste them again in my mouth (and my urge to puke returns).
I’m sure everyone has a different mix of potions, but, mine were beyond vile, I hope yours are more pleasant.
(also I had to give up my best friend coffee for a few years, back to chugging it now and instead I drank lots of roobios tea, it was yummy and carmelly and made me happy).
Glad your on an up swing.
Mine are pretty vile too - nothing that tastes great!
“Let me preface this by telling you that I do not understand the technicalities of acupuncture at all. I know that acupuncture restores energy flows and all that good stuff, but that’s about as far as I have gotten to understanding everything.”
You’re not much different than anyone else. Scientists are not sure why it works, but there is proof that it does.
I took acupuncture for about 16 months (had to stop for budgetary reasons). I loved it. I origingally started for fertility (it didn’t get me pregnant), but later focused on pain management (for endo). It worked wonders for my mood/pain.
Did you eventually move onto a different fertility treatment?
I actually purchased an acupuncture living social deal this morning in my area after reading about your success. My biggest issue right now is stress and hearing you talk about your acupuncture naps got me thinking maybe acupuncture would help me too! Thank you for being so honest about things - I know it helps me and I am sure tons of others
I think gratefulness is such an important part of mental health. Whenever Im in a sucky situation, I remind myself how blessed I am and how much worse it could be. I instantly gain perspective and become more emotionally stable to deal with th situation at hand. I think your wonderful positive attitude can only help with getting everything back on track. Thanks for keeping it real
That’s exactly what I do too. The second I feel sorry for myself, I feel stupid and remind myself that I don’t have it half as bad as so many people out there.
we are very, very much alike. its nice to be able to relate to someone that way. i’m so happy this is working for you ♥
When I was trying to get my period back my nutritionist had me eat a “treat” everyday (cookies, cupcakes, candy, etc) and also have two “challenge meals” like a big quesadilla or quiche or something else I deemed unhealthy. Turns out she was right. I got my period back (after two years without) and I didn’t gain weight. It really allowed me to learn balance in my eating. I also cut my exercise way down (no running). Sometimes being healthy is actually not worrying about being so healthy.
That’s great advice! Although I have definitely gained weight - haha!
Thank you for sharing all of this. Such honesty! It is definitely nice to give your body a break, and just “be.” I went to a Naturopath for a year (taking a year off to feel the difference) and the BIGGEST thing he helped me with was my HORMONES! I feel you! Glad to hear that you are feeling more balanced
Chelsey - every single day before I click on the link to your blog, I say a little prayer for you. I just wish nothing but the best for you and I hope all these new things you’re trying bring you success (and babies). When I first started to think about getting pregnant, I also had to make a lot of changes, mentally and physically. Although my situation is not nearly the same as yours, I did have to cut WAY back on exercise and change my diet. At that time, the thought of eating certain things wouldn’t even have been a thought. I was just really strict with my diet because I wanted to maintain how I looked, felt and was able to perform physically. However, I reached a point where I knew that I had to suck it up and relax!! It worked - I think my body took the time it needed to heal itself so I could get my period bad and be fertile again. I know you will have the same success. And I have to say…I read your comment on HRG’s pictures….I’m not sure if she’s really pregnant or just being tricky, but before I found out I was pregnant, I had dreams that other people were, and the same thing happened to my sister. I sincerely hope that your dream means good news for you too. Wishing you the best!!!
Thank you so much Lindsey. I really appreciate the support and prayers!
Aaaand she really is pregnant - I texted with her this morning!
PS - I have to come back and tell you I forgot to tell you earlier that this is the second time I have dreamed about someone being pregnant the day they announced it. Last year I had a dream that my sister was pregnant and when I told her about it the day after, she started crying and told me she found out earlier in the week that she was pregnant. ummm creeeeppppyyyyy!!!
I’m glad to hear that acupuncture seems to be working for you. I first tried it a couple of months ago for a knee injury, and while I’m not sure how much it helped my knee (I was also seeing a chiropractor), it definitely reduced my stress. If nothing else, it forced me to lie down for 45 minutes and just chill, and that’s 100% worth it to me.
Hope you continue to feel better, and thanks for sharing!
you go Chelsey! When you look back on all of this it’s going to feel like a “blip” in time although it’s very difficult and SLOW-GOING right now! Keep on the straight and narrow with being kind to yourself
supplement life with lots of music 
weeping could be liberating! PS. you’re NOT a complainer
You’re right - although time is dragging right now, it will seem like just another bump in the road once I’m past it.
So happy for you that you’re seeing all these positive changes and that you really believe the herbs and acupuncture are working for you and you’re on the right track. That is wonderful! Thanks for being so open and sharing about what’s going on behind the scenes!
Everytime I read one of your posts about this it makes me happy for you and hope its moving you in the right direction towards conception. I have always been a runner, but not too hardcore, no marathons, just smaller distances. I usually run 3-5 miles 3 times a week and weight lift a couple times a week as well. My body personally could not conceive doing this. I conceived my first daughter over christmas “break” while we were traveling to see family, not exercising, and eating a little more. I conceived my second baby over thanksgiving “break”, again not working out for a week or two, and eating much more. I honestly think my body needs the rest and laid back attitude to get pregnant. I also cannot run during my first trimester. I have had 2 babies, both times I stopped running right away during pregnancy. I have had 2 miscarriages, both times I tried to keep running. I know everyone is different but this is just how my body seems to work. I also could not conceive my second until I completely stopped breastfeeding my first even though I was ovulating. My body just couldn’t handle it all at once. I know some people can run marathons during conception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding while eating salads…but not me. Even right now while breastfeeding, I workout way less and eat way more to keep my milk supply up, and it sure is up! If I hold onto 2-4 more pounds because of that, then great, I couldn’t care less! Sorry for the novel of a comment but I was just saying that from experience, it may really be helping you to relax and workout less so don’t feel guilty about it at all! They say it happens when you stop trying (like at my moms house over christmas, oops!)
Thanks for sharing that Lindsay - I have heard from a lot of women who really have had to take a step back in the health and fitness realms of their life in order to conceive!
Lindsay, I’m glad I found your comment. I run at the same level as you and conceived fine, but had a miscarriage. I had done two 10 milers before I found out and 2 weekly sessions with a trainer. Of course I want to be a super fit, capable pregnant lady but I’m a little worried about next time. I feel like people (husband, trainer, etc) will look down on me a bit if I stop exercising while pregnant but I think I’m going to do it…
I’m SO glad to hear things are working out!!
Love how you are being open about this and sharing your journey. I think this happens to so many people, especially in the “healthy living” and “fitness” communities. Being too obsessive about eating clean and exercise definitely can mess with your body. I went through a long phase in college where I didn’t get my period either.
It took me several years of being too thin and then several years of being too ‘thick’ (hehe) to find a good/happy/healthy/normal for me.
I’m so glad you found a happy and normal weight/lifestyle for you!!!
I’m like you in that I always feel like I have to be on the go - all.the.time. When I sit and try to relax, I always feel as if there is something more productive that I could be doing. I need to take a page out of your book and just “be” more often.
Wow - I read the following sentences a few times this morning: “What I’ve found is there’s a definite portion of us who are “too healthy” — and giving that up for the time being has been liberating but definitely a little scary. I’m finding even more of a balance than I thought I could. ”
Sometimes I think I’m too focused on being healthy and I would like more balance. I don’t want to be scared of what happens if/when I stop trying so hard.
Thank you for being so honest and open about your journey. It inspires me to be more honest and open with my own thoughts and feelings
Thanks for reading and supporting me Andie. It means so much! I think too much of ANYTHING isn’t a good thing, even if it’s being healthy or eating well all of the time. Balance is key!
I’m so glad acupuncture is working for you. I honestly believe that with these complementary medicines, as well, the effectiveness of them can be partially dependent on how much faith you put into them. So it sounds like you’re going all out and that’s great! You’re already seeing changes, so clearly your body is responding
.
Hi Chelsea, I’ve been a silent reader for a while now but feel moved to comment on this post. I’m experiencing the same issues that you’ve been having so thanks so much for sharing - I don’t feel quite so alone! I’m trying the reduction of cardio, more yoga and more weight gain and hoping that its going to help but its the gaining weight thing that is really tough, I suspect that I’m going to have to gain towards the higher end of the healthy BMI (after reading about other formally overweight then lower weight people with the same issue). So great to hear that your body is responding!
Thanks for coming out of the shadows Laura!
You’re benefiting so many of your readers in so many ways-whether they struggle with infertility, how to eat more (or less!) healthy, or whatever. My good friend and guru says “Find your edge, and know that your edge may mean backing off.” She’s referring to yoga posture when she says the words, but I’ve taken that phrase to heart in a lot of ways, and you are finding that same truth. Eating “healthy” isn’t always low calorie or clean, it’s eating in a balanced, healthful way. I’m still trying to get a handle on that one :-/
I’m sending you tons of energy and strength as you make this journey-know that you’ve got so many people behind you…and not a single one views your words as complaining. I would argue that most of them, us, find you inspirational.
I love that quote!!!
i hardly know where to begin commenting on your posts because 99% of the time i feel like we are long lost twins, separated at birth with such similarities…by the sound of it, our husbands could probably share war stories…
anyway, im so happy that youre feeling more tranquil. inner peace is one of those things that i strive for, but its such work. and everything you mentioned about being TOO healthy is absolutely true. theres a fine line and its something that im addressing myself.
hugs friend
We must have been separated at birth or something - our Husbands could probably talk for hours (or just drink their lives away) at the craziness we put them through.
Your new place looks awesome by the way!
Glad you giving it a chance!
My doctors still haven’ t figured out why I haven’t had a period in almost four years. I’ve put on some weight, but I don’t think that has anything to do with it in my case since I’m now BMI-”overweight.” I wish anyone was able to actually tell me what the problem is. Good for you that you’ve been able to make some positive changes that seem to be helping! I pray you can reverse anything that’s holding you back.
That’s so frustrating - I’m sorry Amber! One thing I did today was get my b-12 and vitamin D levels checked. I have been hearing a LOT about how a deficiency in those two can add to causing amenorrhea and infertility.
I take a vitamin D supplement, but I doubt I’m getting enough b-12! I should look into that. It’s definitely frustrating to have a whole mess of tests done and having them all come back “normal.” Obviously something’s not right!
Hi there I am long time reader but have only commented a few times. I am in the same situation except my periods have n0t returned after a year of going off the pill. So much time and energy spent on tests and different methods but no one has an answer. All they can tell me is that my estrogen levels are low and that can contribute to the mood swings and lower sense of wellbeing. Its so frustrating!!
So sorry that you are going through this too! All the media seems to talk about are girls who get pregnant when they weren’t trying, but there doesn’t seem to be much coverage of those of us who are having problems with our bodies and don’t know why. I hope you can figure out what is causing your problem! I really hope that I can figure out what’s wrong with me, because I really had no idea that I’d be trying for kids for 5+ years and still be having problems.
Hey love,
Reading this made me feel so much better, it has been SO tough over here with me. I am day by day gradually getting better but geez the mind is SUCH a powerful thing, it really is. I went with my mom today to help her at work, so it was nice to do that and I feel I need to get out a little more so I do not want to exercise due to being at home and being bored. I know I need to eat more healthy fats and exercise WAY less, last week I did not do so well with that, but this week I am starting fresh. Yoga and little cardio like walking will be it.
We will get our hormones back to normal, I know it! Love you!
I would love to gchat too, it would great to have support, as I know you feel the same way!
xoxo
Ugh, I know it sucks now, and I know that some days are horribly tough (today was actually a really hard day for me - i wrote this last night) but just remember what the end result will be!!! I love you!
i just wanted to add my voice to the others who have given you their support. it seems like these have been really good changes for you, and i’m so glad your emotional swings have been leveling out. believe me when i say I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN. it’s funny because the other day my husband and i were talking about how my mood swings and episoded of depression, above all else, have taken the biggest toll on our marriage (more than med school!).
i’d love to hear more about your experience with acupuncture. i’ve been dealing with depression/mood swings for 6ish years and i’m ready to start looking for alternative treatments. meds haven’t really been effective for me.
when i was in massage therapy school, we studied a few TCM/energy work-related things (acupressure, shiatsu, reflexology), and it’s always interested me. i want to try something in that vein for treatment but i don’t really know where to start.
wishing you continued good luck!!
heather
I have been wanting to try acupuncture… Heard nothing but great things. Happy to hear it is helping you! Love this post =)
SO GLAD you’re feeling more relaxed and things are looking up. Good signs my friend
it sounds like things are looking up!! im so happy to hear it. thanks for sharing with us!
I’m so happy for you that this seems to be working - it’s awesome that you’re already noticing differences! You sound like you’re at a really healthy and happy place in your life right now.
I was one of the ones who shared my experience with not having a period for 9 months from being “too fit,” and then having it return once I took a break from running, ate more fats (saturated, like in cheese….certain female hormones are made from cholesterol???), changed some things. I am happy for you, and I think you are on the right track, so congrats!
Another thing this post made me think of, is that I used to always try to be so “tough,” never whine, always be a super trooper….and now I have learned to embrace the things that make me a woman, like the weepiness. Just think what the world would be like, if half of us didn’t get weepy when we saw sad commercials, when we saw hungry animals, etc…..there would be more wars….there would be more suffering, the world would be a harsher place than it already is. In other words, the world needs us (women) just how we are, so be proud to weep! Even when I get needy with my husband, I think there is a purpose…it brings us together as a couple, it teaches him how to provide for someone who is vulnerable (like children, in future). I dunno, I have just changed the way I see things, and I have realized to just embrace it all, and not try to control it all and power through everything.
One other thing everyone should know, that I realized after I had gotten over the period issues, is that it’s actually REALLY bad for your bones to not have those monthly hormone fluctuations that you get with a period. So do it for your bones!!!!! You are at more risk for osteroporosis issues in future by loosing the period. Not something to freak out about, but just something to keep in mind. When I read that, I was like, “dang, wish I knew it back then, woulda ate more pizza, sooner!”
Congratulations to you both for taking time to slow down and nurture your body and for sharing. It might not seem brave to you (I know when I was writing about health issues it was more to help myself heal) but it does feel brave to us readers. You never know who’s life you might change through your words so thank you for your openness and your humility.
so glad that to hear that you are doing better!!! Michelle has done acupuncture before and loved it. I have not tried it yet maybe one day. I have been taking so many herbs to help with my hormones,stress and acne and starting to see improvements. I was like you and had emotional outbreaks all the time. now, they are less frequent and shorter, which is a good thing for us all haha
hugs!!!
The last few sentences of this post where you talk about just “being” really hit home with me. That’s exactly what I’ve been focusing on for the past week. I’m tired of trying to be perfect all of the time- it’s unattainable and, frankly, is exhausting. Life isn’t about perfect food, perfect exercise, perfect schedules, etc. It’s about finding your own happy balance and truly enjoying whatever is thrown at you.
I’m so proud of all the changes that you’re making. It’s beyond inspiring.
…and you definitely don’t sound like you’re complaining!
Chelsey,
I really really appreciate your advocacy of an all-around healthy LIFE. It is something that has struck me in the past couple of days. I am in college and we are in the last week of midterms. So, for the past three weeks, I’ve spent at least 3 nights at the library til 2 am, not eating very much, and working out 5 days a week. And instead of feeling better, I feel AWFUL. This morning I was supposed to get up early and run, and because my first class was cancelled, I was going to get an early jump on studying. Then I read this post. I went back to bed for an hour and a half, got up, ate breakfast and relaxed for an hour. Long story short, I feel so much better! I love reading your blog! Thanks for all of the advice, tips, and recipes-and keep ‘em coming!
Good for you. Dialing down your workouts can be really scary at first, but you’re definitely doing the right thing for your body. I’m sending lots of positive vibes your way!
yay! i am so happy for you that in two months you’re seeing changes. i seriously swear i’ve had such similar conversations in my own head- that my own habits (and desire to be healthy!) have driven me to unintentionally deprive myself. and i’m not sure if you’ve ever felt this way, but i think at times i’ve felt proud of myself for being able to do something not many people can do- workout hard, eat healthy, be disciplined- and that somehow it must be a testament to how “strong” I am that i can push myself this much.
hugs.
but when i step back and look at my body’s response in the big scheme of things, it’s shameful to confront the reality that my body can’t actually handle it. but what i’m learning is that not being real with myself is only an option for so long.
i think it takes a lot of time and effort to really internalize a new definition of being healthy, and to accept yourself and those new choices. thanks for speaking up about this! i know things are going to keep getting better for you
Thought you might like this article. Some validation on acupucture and the woman on the cover is also a friend of mine.
Thought you might appreciate reading about my amenorrhea:
If I Could Menstruate, by Nicole Marie Story.
Looking forward to reading about your acupuncture experience. x
* I intended to write, “looking forward to reading MORE about your acupuncture experience.”
Perhaps my story may be of use…about 10 years ago I didn’t have my cycle for about three years. I looked “normal” and exercised for about an hour per day…I was also very afraid of eating fat, was cold most of the time, and could get pretty weepy. I didn’t equate all of this really with my lack of a cycle or dietary habits (because I looked “normal), but I finally came to grips with knowing I had some disordered eating issues. I finally went to a dietitcian who helped me with my worries of gaining any weight/eating more. I just wasn’t eating enough for the amount of activity I was doing for my body to also produce enough hormones. This dietician gave me a challenge. She was like “try me with 10lbs. If you gain 10lbs, your cycle will come back, and then, if you’re eating a good number of calories - around 1900, your weight will “calm down” to around where you are now. You won’t blimp up…once your body gets used to it, you will come back down and be the best size for you.”
Well, I tried so hard to just trust and to eat more. My pants got pretty tight and nothing else happened…no cycle. For about two months. I was getting frustrated and panicking about the weight…wouldn’t weigh myself but I felt quite gross, but then…got my cycle back. And…my weight stabilized and went down a bit. Seven years later, I’m nearly the same size (5ft 7, 130ish lbs), with my cycle. Perhaps this is 5 lbs more than I was when I lost my cycle. A mere 5 lbs - I don’t even notice! I am SO glad I took the chance of eating a bit more (esp. fat) and lowering my activity a bit. I haven’t read much of your blog, so perhaps you’ve already tried this, but it’s cheap and easy to try out. And worth it worth it worth it! Worth it for a family, girl!!!
Another thing is that after all of that, I had to get a bone scan done because loss of a period for that long can also contribute to bone loss for some reason. It turned out everything is ok, but my doctor told me I need to take calcium/magnesium supplements for life as an insurance policy against how I treated my body during those years. This is serious stuff. Anyway, I hope it works out well for you. You seem to be on the right track! If you want to ask me any (ANY) questions, shoot me an e-mail. :0)
I am definitely going to email you! I hope you don’t mind!