“What if I’m eating a lot but still not getting my period back?”
This question literally entered the chat as I presented to a group of athletes recently, and it’s one I’ve discussed many times with nutrition clients. (I also just talked about it in detail, on the Lane 9 Podcast!)
The big question being: How much energy intake (i.e. calories) is enough? If the key to getting our bodies out of a Low Energy Availability (LEA) state is to eat more energy—to meet the body’s needs for 1) being a human and 2) being a human who moves in some way and maybe 3) other variables to consider like injury recovery, pregnancy or lactation, etc.—how MUCH energy do we actually need?!
…or at least a caloric range—and we can work on figuring that out! It is important to know. There are equations that help us clinicians calculate this for each individual person, with their unique individual factors. From there, we see how the body responds. In my clinical experience, it takes a little experimenting, and a lot of patience.
In my 15 years as a dietitian working with athletes, I have found that more often than not—no matter the context—clients underestimate their energy needs. Sometimes by quite a bit! And they’re surprised when we calculate what they need to sustain their training and life and overall health. So when someone says, I’m eating a lot, I know that’s relative to what they think they might need, and our next step is to parse out whether their current fueling and nutrition habits are even meeting their baseline needs.
How LONG is this going to take? I get it, and unfortunately, there’s no way to really know. It’s a frustrating answer, but it’s the honest one.
So, let’s say we’re in conversation about this question—I’m talking to your team, or addressing this question on our podcast like I did on this episode, or we discuss it in session. First: I zoom out.
Because I have questions, too!
These are just a few things a clinician may discuss with you. Because it’s not just what you’re eating and how much, it’s a puzzle with many pieces that we’re working together to assemble. Unique to you!
There are many other parts, too! I know athletes attempt to take this on by themselves; there’s a LOT of information out there, it can sometimes seem relatively simple to “just eat more” and…voilá, no more REDs!
But, if you’ve been in this position, and have wondered WHEN will my cycle come back?!, you know it’s rarely that simple.
We’re here to help you find support, and to validate that this is a hard thing! I answered in a bit more detail, though not meant to replace individualized nutrition counseling or medical nutrition therapy, on our Lane 9 Podcast, episode 67.
Tune in here: Lane 9 Podcast Episode 67, “Periods & Nutrition Q&A”
Having a team of clinicians is often also part of REDs recovery, which is why we built the Lane 9 Women’s Sport & Health Directory. One place where you can build your full REDs support team—dietitians, mental health providers, physical therapists, physicians, and coaches, all in one place.
We built this so you don’t have to guess how much is “a lot”, or how long this process may take, or if you’re doing “enough” to treat REDs. And we talk about it, so you know you’re not alone in this process—other athletes, and clinicians, are right here in Lane 9 with you, cheering you on!
P.S. When you do get your period back, may we suggest a little celebration?! Period parties, make it a thing!
