Nourishing Narratives: A Personal Journey into Women’s Health Nutrition

Today, standing at the threshold of guiding others on their healing journey, I can’t help but reflect on the twists and turns that brought me to this moment. In 2018, I started another blog to share my journey to becoming a nutritionist. In January 2019, I started my master’s program in nutrition and integrative health with a human clinical focus. As I learned to navigate my program and coursework, I found myself dedicating less time to posting about my experience (at least publicly).

My life began to align in a way that it had never done before. I felt that I was on the right path; one that has been a truly transformative experience. From the beginning, I diligently completed my coursework. My goal was to complete the program in 2 years. Unfortunately, as the world transitioned into lockdown, I had to revise my plans. I returned to work at a company that focused on addressing childhood lead poisoning in New York. This grew my interest in how lead (and other heavy metals) found in the soil can affect the childbearing years, as well as, fetal and child development.

In 2020, this became even more personal for me, when I found out that I was pregnant. I was nudged to further explore the intricate world of nutrition and the connection to my life. I started realizing how important nutrition was to the work that I was doing, at that time. Solidifying, yet, another moment that stamped the importance of my nutrition studies. I was so excited to be learning the information I had desired to learn.

Truly, I was even more excited to shift away from pure coursework and move into the school’s teaching clinic, where I worked with challenging clients under the supervision of seasoned mentors. This work reminded me why I had started down this path to become a nutritionist as the process has been a deeply personal experience, rooted in my own health struggles. Prior to starting the program, I worked to overcome the symptoms that had been constantly ignored by my providers.

Originally, I found my way to nutrition after a series of experiences. My menstrual cycle had always been painful, but it was progressively getting worse right up until it suddenly stopped. I had ovarian cysts, strands of hair on my chin/stomach/breast, fatigue, months of missing cycles, and more. I had monthly migraines. I also began getting rashes on my arms and legs and my ears started draining fluid. My anxiety was getting worse and I was becoming more irritable. One day, as I was on the track competing in the AEC indoor conference track meet, I had a terrible pain in my hip. After weeks of being told to do exercises for an injury that I didn’t have, I found out that an ovarian cyst had ruptured.

I found myself being pressured to start birth control to address this issue that no one had explained to me. Fortunately, I knew to have a conversation with my OB/GYN about how birth control has effected women in my family. I found out that I had a condition preventing me from taking birth control with estrogen because it could lead to clotting. This experience led me to research various conditions and the impact that birth control, pads, tampons, medications and more could have on the menstrual cycle and reproduction.   

As I delve into the realm of women’s health, I found myself frustrated that there wasn’t more information, but also ready to face the challenge for myself and other women. It’s not just about disseminating knowledge; it’s about sharing a piece of my own narrative, a story of triumph over personal health battles. Through my research and through trial and error, I was able to find my way to symptom-free periods. I kept this excitement in mind as I progressed through my program. I want to help more women find ways to reduce and eliminate menstrual (not just period) related symptoms.

Now, I am ready to celebrate because as of this semester, I have completed all requirements for my master’s program. Yet, amid this excitement I have found a familiar companion—imposter syndrome. Like many, I struggle with self-doubt, questioning whether I’m truly equipped to guide others on such a profound journey. But it’s time to shed this cloak of uncertainty and embrace the authority that comes with expertise earned through both study and experience.

As I navigate the uncharted waters of women’s health, I’m not just stepping into a profession; I’m carving out a space where personal and professional growth converge. The journey ahead is unknown, but the prospect of making a difference in the lives of women through nutrition fuels my determination.

So, here’s to the anticipation of what lies ahead, to overcoming imposter syndrome, and to embracing the exciting unknowns that await in the realm of women’s health. The adventure continues, and I’m ready for every twist, turn, and triumph that awaits on this fulfilling path.