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Poor digestion is a common symptom in those with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA), which is the loss of period and in those with disordered eating or eating disorders. The main underlying driver is low energy availability. When there is a chronic energy deficiency the body responds by becoming more “energy efficient”. The loss of period is a common and more obvious outcome for women. Stopping menstruation and fertility is a way the body responds to the stress of low energy availability. But there are many other systems of the body affected. These include poor temperature regulation, decreased bone mineral density, poor growth of hair and nails and poor or sluggish digestion. This may be experienced as frequently feeling bloated and either constipation or diarrhea. Working with many women with HA and disordered eating and having my own journey I recognise there are many other influences on both poor digestion and recovery. One major one in recovery is fear. Fears acting like barriers to recovery can include fear of weight gain, of eating certain foods e.g. foods high in carbs or fat, of reducing exercise volume and intensity to allow the body to heal, of losing their “fitness Identity”, letting go of all their “hard work” and of what other will think of them for example thinking they have let themselves go! Many report that they do not “trust” their appetite.  I thought this topic was an important one to cover because for many women who experience poor digestion or IBS this leads to further restrictions of certain foods, fear of foods and pushes them further away from recovery, feeling at peace with food and restoring a healthy menstrual cycle, fertility and ultimately allowing their whole body to heal!  I recently learned about gut hypnotherapy with research having some positive outcomes and today I have invited a past guest, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Counsellor Bianca Skilbeck to chat much deeper on this area. Bianca is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Counsellor from Melbourne Australia and founder of Freedom From Food. Bianca has a special interest in the treatment of eating disorders and body image related disorders. She has a special interest in working with and understanding the mind-body connection, and how the individual can work to integrate all parts of themselves to create more peace and acceptance in their lives. You can find more about Bianca and her services via her website Freedom From Food or follow her on Instagram. More information on my services: I help women with HA recover their periods, overcome food fear, inappropriate exercise behaviours, body dysmorphia and poor body image and help them to eat intuitively. I also help women who have had HA become pregnant. My 1:1 coaching program is my most personalised service I offer for women who prefer 1:1 support. This program runs over 3 months via Virtual Video Call. Limited spots available. I also offer a Self Paced Online Course - Recover Your Period and Rediscover Intuitive Eating! My online, self paced program contains my proven frameworks that have successfully supported many of my clients to regain their periods, make peace with their body and discover food freedom! Apply now through my website or book a free discovery call to give me the opportunity to learn more about you, your biggest struggles and discuss ways I can support you. I would love if you would connect with me over on Instagram (@amyleegiannotti)