From No Period to Pregnancy
In a world where success is often measured by podium finishes and personal bests, many athletes face a hidden struggle in silence."
For me, it began nine years ago, when I first noticed the absence of my menstrual cycle. A lingering sense that something wasn’t quite right had been gnawing at me for months, but it was a disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games that finally pushed me to investigate. As a distance runner, I’d learned to dismiss the subtle signs of REDs that had been creeping in over recent months as occupational hazards. Illness and injury, resistance to rest days, and a penchant for salads with dressing on the side seemed simply par for the course in my sport. Even when I voiced concerns about my fatigue to my doctor, the raised eyebrow and, “What do you expect when you run 80 miles a week?”, left me questioning whether my concerns were valid. After all, my basic blood tests were all ‘normal’, except for extremely low iron levels, which were treated with regular infusions at the local chemo ward.
There’s certainly nothing like being hooked up to an IV drip, surrounded by others whose lives literally depend on it, to inspire you to take charge of your own health while you still have the chance."
My journey to answers began when I stopped taking the contraceptive pill. Like many others did back then (and unfortunately still do without proper guidance), I’d relied on it to manipulate my “periods” around training and racing schedules, unaware that the withdrawal bleeds it triggered were artificial and masked the absence of a natural cycle. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of a regular menstrual cycle, for either health or performance, but I did start to suspect its absence might be connected to my dwindling energy, low moods, and iron deficiencies.
After waiting three months for my cycle to return (it didn’t), I saw an endocrinologist who reassured me that my missing periods were “normal for an athlete.” (Spoiler: if anyone says this to you or someone you know, please find a different healthcare provider!) I was advised to go back on the pill to protect my bone density—another common and harmful misconception that has been repeatedly proven wrong by recent research studies. In fact, in addition to masking menstrual dysfunction, the contraceptive pill can even compound the negative effect on bone health.
Had I known where to turn back then, I could have avoided years of covering up this key symptom of REDs. When I finally found the medical support I needed, zero periods, one stress fracture, and five years later, I began to understand the significance of my menstrual cycle.
My then-boyfriend, now husband, had been with me from the start of my decline into the REDs spiral and supported me through my desperate search for answers as to what was wrong. I knew he wanted to be a dad some day, and while my drive to recover wasn’t initially motivated by motherhood (I felt far from maternal at the time), I wanted to give my body the opportunity to make that decision when the time came. So my recovery journey was at least partly inspired by the potential to become pregnant one day.
Three years later, that moment arrived. By then, I’d taken a deep dive into hormone health, tracking my cycle monthly and developing a profound respect for my body’s capabilities. The fertility awareness method (FAM) became our chosen form of contraception, helping me pinpoint ovulation and identify my fertile window. While it requires effort and understanding, it helped me build trust in my body after years of suppression.
When my period didn’t arrive during a holiday to Amsterdam, I was stunned. Despite maintaining healthy cycles for years by that point, I still harboured doubts about my ability to conceive. After suppressing my cycle for so long, it almost felt like something I didn’t deserve a right to, and I've since chatted with many other women who sadly feel this way. So, thinking it could take years, we were decidedly less cautious around my fertile window in November, but didn’t overthink it.
Looking back, our relaxed, “let’s see what happens” approach to pregnancy was perfect for us. Much like my best running performances, this milestone was achieved while free from pressure or preoccupation with results. Sharing the news with Rich, who had supported me through the highs and lows of recovery, was a moment I’ll never forget.
Pregnancy has been a journey filled with new discoveries, much like preparing for a big race. It requires preparation, patience, and plenty of carbs—only this time, they’re helping me grow a human being, which already feels more worthwhile than any podium finish.
Final Thoughts
Hormonal contraceptives can be a great choice for many, but it’s important to understand that the withdrawal bleed isn’t a substitute for a natural menstrual cycle. The fertility awareness method may not suit everyone, especially those seeking certainty about preventing pregnancy, but it’s a valuable tool for those willing to invest the time and effort.
For anyone navigating REDs, recovery, or considering their options, I highly recommend the following resources:
Blogs
A great blog about Contraceptives by Katie Clayton
Papers
Books
No Period Now What by Nicola Rinaldi
Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden
Fifth Vital Sign by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack