I am excited to connect with Dr. Nicola Sykes today. Dr. Sykes received her Ph.D. in Computational Biology from MIT. After experiencing hypothalamic amenorrhea and discovering a shortage of information about the condition in the public domain, she wrote a comprehensive guide to help people understand it and recover.In our discussion today, we dive into the nature of hypothalamic amenorrhea and explore its physiology. We address the effects of amenorrhea on eating habits, discuss caloric restrictions, fasting, exercise, and chronic stress, clarify the distinctions between eating disorders and disordered eating, and examine the role of genetics. Dr. Sykes also explains why she does not believe in post-pill amenorrhea, and our conversation touches on differentiators with polycystic ovarian syndrome, symptoms, and lab evaluations.  Given the frequent concerns from listeners about losing their menstrual cycles, this conversation with Dr. Sykes promises to be particularly valuable for those affected by prolonged fasting and similar issues.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:Dr. Sykes explains what hypothalamic amenorrhea is and why it is essential for women to understand itHow a lack of exercise and energy deficits can impact menstruationWhy we must support our bodies with exercise and proper nutrition rather than focusing on weight lossHow stress impacts the body, particularly during perimenopause and menopauseWhy rest and recovery are essential when doing high-intensity workoutsHow we need to eat enjoyable foods and focus on moderation instead of striving for an ideal standardHow disordered eating differs from eating disordersThe difference between hypothalamic amenorrhea and PCOSSome common symptoms of hormone imbalanceThe benefits of tracking menstrual and ovulation cyclesBio:Dr Sykes (formerly Rinaldi) has a PhD in computational biology from MIT. After experiencing hypothalamic amenorrhea herself and finding a lack of information about the condition in the public sphere, she set out to write a comprehensive guide to understanding the condition and how to recover. Her book, "No Period. Now What?" has helped thousands of people recover from missing periods and better understand their bodies and hormonal systems. The book has been translated into multiple languages and serves as a guide for numerous dietitians and medical professionals helping those experiencing missing periods.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  Follow on TwitterInstagramLinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteSubmit your questions to [email protected]Connect with Dr. Nicola SykesOn her websiteInstagram Support groupBuy ebook: No Period. Now what?Schedule a one-on-one session with Dr. Sykes