Tracking Progress in Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Recovery Clients
If you're anything like us at The HA Society, you LOVE data, especially when it comes to navigating the uncertainties of period recovery. Wouldn't it be great to have tools that offer insights into your client's fertility status, providing a structured approach to recovery rather than vibing your way through it?
Enter the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) – a game-changer in our practice for tracking progress and gaining valuable insights into our client's fertility status. Yes, you read that right, cycle tracking even in the context of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. I can hear your question already – how do you track a cycle when there isn't one? Trust me, there's valuable information to uncover even without a regular cycle.
Traditionally used for family planning and conception timing, we leverage FAM as a diagnostic tool in our approach.
Here's a snapshot of how FAM aids us in tracking progress during HA recovery:
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
BBT reflects your resting temperature and mirrors metabolism and sex hormone production. Lower BBT readings often indicate lower metabolism and hormone levels – a common scenario in HA. As clients make positive changes to their food intake, meal times, and stress levels, we witness shifts in BBT. Monitoring BBT helps us identify issues and fine-tune protocols for optimal recovery.
Cervical Mucus Production (CM)
Linked to increased estrogen, cervical mucus is a vital indicator of ovulation. Tracking mucus production provides insights into estrogen levels, helping us gauge proximity to recovery.
Symptoms
FAM enables us to monitor additional symptoms like breast tenderness and mood swings. A lot of the time people think period recovery is all unknown until the day we get a bleed. But that’s not true! There are plenty of signs that you can learn to identify- these are just the tip of the iceberg.
The diagnostic aspect of FAM is invaluable. It provides feedback from the client's own body, revealing whether our strategies are working and guiding necessary adjustments. This feedback proves immensely encouraging and helps clients navigate the emotional aspects of the recovery journey.
Emily, an HHAP student, shares her own experience with FAM: "Through our call reviewing my chart and learning more from you and Ashley in HHAP, I felt so damn empowered and like I knew exactly what my body needed. There is truly no better feeling! I quite literally did/focused on exactly what you guys are teaching in HHAP, and it works. Can't wait to continue to help others!"
If you’re ready to empower your clients with the language of their bodies and explore how to use the Fertility Awareness Method as a diagnostic tool in HA Recovery, consider enrolling in the HHAP certification.
Let's keep empowering and educating. Together, we make a difference.
