Old School Food Freedom

When Fertility, Food, and Movement Connect

God created us in such a wonderful and beautiful way. But we don’t always feel that way. And sometimes we go so far as to control things like food and exercise. But what if those “healthy habits” are causing harm?
 
This is exactly what happens in the case of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA). Things like food restriction and over-exercising impact hormones to such a degree that a woman’s health is impacted. That can show up in many ways—everything from missed periods and infertility to brain fog and hair loss.
 
The signs and symptoms of HA are often mistaken for other issues, like menopause. Today’s guest, Ashley Smith of The HA Society, has not only seen women get a proper HA diagnosis, go through recovery, and go on to live beautiful, full lives—she has firsthand experience with this condition.
 
In today’s conversation, you’ll learn what HA is commonly misdiagnosed as, the vital role of 3 hormones in women’s health, and why fertility is essential for all women—not just those who want to get pregnant.

Here’s what we cover:
  • What is Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA)?
  • If HA is curable
  • The vital role of hormones like estrogen
  • How long it takes HA to develop
  • Difference between HA and premature ovarian insufficiency
  • What HA is commonly misdiagnosed as
  • Signs and symptoms a woman might have HA
  • How your period is a key health marker
  • How fertility is impacted by HA
  • Why fertility is important for all women, not just those who want to get pregnant
  • How energy fluctuates throughout the different menstrual cycles
  • How we’ve made our body composition an idol
  • How the HA Society can support you in your recovery journey
This is a deeply complex topic, and one we could probably record an entire sub-series about.
 
At FINDINGbalance, balance is important to us—whether that’s balancing hormones or balancing a busy schedule with time with Jesus.
 
If you’ve been struggling with anything shared today (missing or irregular periods or fertility, etc.), consider reaching out to Ashley and The HA Society for support.
 
Not sure where you stand with food and body image? Take our free eating issues test at findingbalance.com. 
 
More About Ashley Smith
Ashley helps women restore ovulation and get pregnant naturally—without medication or extreme interventions. Drawing from her own journey with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, experience as a nutrition coach and college-level athlete, and training in eating disorders and biblical counseling, she guides women through recovery and back to health. Ashley lives in Fort Worth with her husband, daughter, and their doggos.
 
Connect with Ashley:
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CHRIST-CENTERED RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND FREEDOM  

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CREDITS:  

Interlude music by “Hotham” – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Morning Thoughts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Intro music by “MokkaMusic” – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Old Jeans (Funk)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Wrap-up music by Jesse Quinn – Christian Instrumental 

Production & Editing by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leah Bryant Co  

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The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe a particular course of action. If you have, or suspect you may have, an eating disorder, please consult your healthcare provider. If you desire to receive faith-based care, visit ChristianTreatmentFinder.com to browse professionals with a Kingdom campaign against eating disorders.