Period is back!!
I have had two regular periods after a year and a half of no period!
I initially lost my period due to overtraining and under eating, tracking cals etc. I didn’t realise how skinny I had gotten until somebody sent me a video of me dancing at a pool party. That’s when I realised and everyone else told me they’ve been trying to tell me that for months that I looked too skinny but I honestly didn’t even notice (or maybe subconsciously ignored?). From then I started eating more and I cut out running (was running about 3x a week, about 5 kms each run) and cardio (random hitt classes here and there but not often). Continued to lift weights four times a week and continue to walk every day about 3-5 km walk.
My doctor then told me that I was still underweight for my height. I continued with the same exercise but consciously ate calorie dense foods. I did this up until my first period. I’m now just eating as I normally would before tracking. I’m just focusing on not worrying about how I look and on eating to fuel my active lifestyle. I think I look chubby now (I know I’m actually not) but honestly don’t care as I just want my body to be healthy and strong to carry a baby.
Before recovery symptoms - brain fog and memory loss, irritability and very little patience, hair and nails stopped growing, no CM, freezing beyond belief, no hunger or appetite, insomnia, boobs completely gone, very anxious about things - OCD like tendencies (eg checking things repeatedly, keeping on top of chores unnecessarily -why was I doing washing every day when there was barely any to even put in the machine?)
Early recovery symptoms - horrible night sweats every single night (drenched to the mattress)
Later recovery symptoms - night sweats started easing, nails and hair growing, mental clarity and realisations coming back, lots of CM (normal, ovulation looking and occasionally some old blood), boobs coming back, headaches
First period - started without warning, relatively heavy and some period pain
Second period - very similar to the first one but with more intense period pain like what I remember.
The best thing about my recovery besides the fact that my body feels happy and safe enough to carry a baby now, is the difference in my mind. The ease of anxiety is just the biggest relief. I just feel better in every way.
I think it all started (under eating and over training ) for me due to the need to have control on something in my life. Now that I am very aware and conscious of this, I’m feeling very mindful and confident that I have broken these habits.
I hope my recovery story might help someone feel encouraged!
All the best ladies xxx