Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

Hi, I’m Hilary, I’m the owner of Every Bodies Nutrition. When I talk to people about the level of passion I have for helping individuals improve their lifestyles, there are not enough words. It’s like trying to explain to someone why you love them and you can never find the words. To say it sets my heart on fire is an understatement.

At the end of July, I was diagnosed with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, also known as “HA”. For those of you who do not know what “HA” is, it's when a woman does not get her cycle for consecutive months due to excessive exercise, having low body fat, and also can be caused by significant stress.

My doc, the research, and the HA support group I joined on Facebook informed me that in order to recover and the hopes of getting pregnant  or recovering my cycle means that I needed to stop working out altogether and gain some major pounds. My world was completely turned upside down. Now, aside from the fact that I’m very blessed that everyone I love is safe and healthy, this is “minor”. However, it's not minor to me and it shouldn’t just be pushed to the side. I think we as women often try to push major things to the side if it's not a life/death situation and I’m here to tell you that “THIS IS NOT OKAY”. If you are feeling hurt, sad, lonely, frustrated, or happy it is OKAY to share and complain. 

If you truly know me you know that I found myself when it comes to working out, it is my stress relief. I’ve said this for years but I always felt like when I was working out I wasn’t a sister, daughter, wife, friend, school psychologist, CrossFit coach, student, etc....I was, Hilary. It’s where I felt the most at peace with myself. 

Back when I started coaching CrossFit and now nutrition I felt like I had to hold the standard of looking like someone who works out. I started to really identify myself as the girl who is “shredded” and disciplined. During that time because I was so focused on leading by example of eating perfectly and setting a good example I forgot to apply what I teach my clients to myself. I added unneeded pressure to myself to be perfect 100% of the time 365 days per year. The more I heard how muscular I was or how much weight I could lift I felt like I needed to live more and more up to that standard.

I’m petrified to share this because it makes me extremely vulnerable. When I found out about having HA I couldn’t help but be devastated. I was in a very fixed mindset that I’m not normally ever in and I truly just felt like my heart and world were shattered.

As scared as I am about sharing this and starting my new journey of actually taking my own advice, I can’t help but be a little excited. I think this is going to help me grow and relate to more individuals. If you’re someone who has been diagnosed with HA please let me tell you you are not alone. I’ve been struggling to find people with HA and this is the reason for my post. I want to inspire individuals to share their story so they know they aren’t alone and make an impact on people's lifestyles. 

I’m not going to be embarrassed anymore. This is my story and I am in recovery and will share my journey for all those women who need support because if I’m being 100% honest, I need support too.