Unlocking the Path to Parenthood

In a candid admission, Kelly shares her remarkable journey from competitive runner to a mother after grappling with a decade-long absence of menstruation. This is a story that emphasizes the individuality of paths to parenthood and the challenges along the way.

The Early Days of Running and Lifestyle Changes

Kelly’s love affair with running began in middle school, but it wasn’t until a tough breakup in high school that she dove headfirst into competitive running. No longer just a hobby, exercise became her emotional outlet, leading her to adopt a rigorous training schedule. During this time, influenced by a friend's sugar elimination, Kelly drastically changed her diet, which she now recognizes as a pivotal moment that led to unhealthy restrictions.

The Period Stopped — A Warning Ignored

Following her lifestyle transitions, Kelly's periods ceased entirely at the age of 18. Convinced by coaches and doctors that this was common among active women, she continued her relentless running routine, excelling in races while overlooking the warning signs her body was sending.

Ignoring the Signs: A Struggle with Trusting Doctors

Throughout college, Kelly’s parents urged her to seek medical advice due to her excessive weight loss, but tests always came back normal. She carried on, feeling justified in her routines until growing mistrust in her doctors loomed large. Even when her gynecologist downplayed the implications of her missing periods, the warning bells went ignored.

The Discovery of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

A turning point came when Kelly read a transformative book, "No Period, Now What?" which outlined hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) — a condition resulting from low energy availability. Realizing she had been living this reality, Kelly felt an urgent need to alter her lifestyle.

Big Changes: Shifting Habits for Health

In embracing a high-calorie diet, Kelly navigated a complex emotional landscape. She initially struggled to reduce her running but ultimately committed to completely halting all intense exercise. In just six weeks of rest, her period returned for the first time in ten years, marking a significant milestone in her recovery.

Pregnancy: A Rollercoaster Experience

After regaining her cycle, Kelly and her partner decided to try for a baby. She fell pregnant within three cycles but faced an early miscarriage. Lucky to discover that she could conceive, she approached her second pregnancy with optimism despite the heartbreak.

An Unexpected Birth Experience

Kelly’s birth experience took a harrowing turn when complications arose due to her baby being born with the cord wrapped around his neck, requiring a NICU stay. Postpartum, she faced an unexpected health crisis when a friend encouraged her to get her blood pressure checked—detecting postpartum preeclampsia that could have had dire consequences.

Embracing Motherhood Amidst Challenges

Reflecting on her journey, Kelly expresses gratitude for having recovered from HA before becoming a parent. Parenthood challenged her disciplined mindset around food and exercise. With the responsibility of caring for two sons, she learned to embrace balance rather than rigorously adhere to past habits.

A Meaningful Shift and Ongoing Journey

Now, as a proud mother of two, Kelly finds joy in running while understanding that it’s just one element of her multifaceted life. She recounts the thrill of menstruation—a sign of her body’s health—and continues to advocate for awareness and understanding of hypothalamic amenorrhea.

This powerful story sheds light on the importance of listening to one’s body, seeking informed medical guidance, and embracing the changes that life throws in the pursuit of motherhood.