Puberty at 31: A Journey to Reclaiming & Healing My Body

Women’s health is a deeply personal and often complex journey, and for many of us, the experiences we’ve had with our bodies are shaped by the systems we turn to for support and answers. My story begins at the age of 11, when I got my first period—a milestone for many young girls. But instead of monthly cycles, my periods came only once a year. At the time, I didn’t understand what this irregularity meant, and the medical system didn’t offer much clarity.

When I sought help, the response I received was disheartening. I was told to “wait until I was 16,” and when that time came, I was handed a prescription for birth control with little to no explanation. There was no exploration of why my periods were so irregular, no discussion about my mental health, no mention of the potential side effects of birth control, or its long-term impacts on my body. No one told me that birth control suppresses ovulation or how it might affect my emotional or physical well-being over time.

Now, at 31 years old, I’m reflecting on 16 years of being on birth control—16 years of masking symptoms rather than addressing their root cause. A few months ago, I decided to stop taking it, and my body has been undergoing what feels like a second puberty. I’m reconnecting with myself in a way that is both empowering and bewildering. There’s anger, too—anger at how my symptoms were treated as an inconvenience to be quickly “fixed” instead of an opportunity to look deeper.

But I’m not angry with the doctors; they are human, working within a system that often prioritizes quick solutions over holistic care. What angers me is the lack of understanding and education about the intricate connections between our bodies, mental health, energy, and trauma. For so long, women’s health has been viewed through a narrow lens, and the deeper links between our emotional and physical well-being have been overlooked.

Through my healing journey, I’ve come to understand that irregular periods, like many other symptoms, can often be a signal from the body that something is out of alignment. It could be an unresolved trauma (from this life or another lifetime), an energy block, or a manifestation of mental health struggles. Everything in our bodies is connected, and when one part is out of balance, it’s often because something deeper is asking for attention.

As I navigate this journey of regulating my hormones and reclaiming my health, I’ve found several practices and resources that have been transformative:

1. Cyclical Dieting Inspired by In the Flo

I’ve been incorporating principles from Alisa Vitti’s book In the Flo, which emphasizes eating in alignment with the four phases of the menstrual cycle. By choosing specific foods for each phase, I’m supporting my hormones naturally and helping my body find balance.

2. Exploring Ayurveda and Herbalism

Ayurveda has offered a wealth of wisdom on how diet and lifestyle can support hormonal health. By learning about my dosha (body type) and eating accordingly, I’m nurturing my body in a personalized way. Herbal remedies like ashwagandha and shatavari have also played a role in reducing stress and supporting my reproductive system.

3. Reiki Sessions for Energy Healing

Reiki has been a gentle yet powerful tool for releasing energy blocks and promoting emotional and physical healing. These sessions help me connect with my body on a deeper level and foster a sense of calm and balance.

4. Prioritizing Rest and Stress Reduction

I’ve learned to listen to my body’s need for rest and to manage stress more effectively through practices like meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature.

5. Movement That Honors My Body

Instead of high-intensity workouts, I’ve shifted to practices like yoga and walking, which feel more in tune with my body’s current needs. Movement has become a way to connect with myself, rather than another source of stress.

6. Tracking My Cycle and Symptoms

Using apps and journals, I’ve started tracking my cycle, moods, and physical symptoms. This helps me recognize patterns and adjust my lifestyle accordingly.

7. Staying Curious and Educated

I’ve been diving into research and seeking out holistic approaches. Education has been empowering in this process.

I share my story not just to highlight the gaps in how women’s health is often addressed but to advocate for change. We need to start having open, honest conversations about our bodies and the tools we use to manage them. We need healthcare systems that view women as whole beings, not just symptoms to be treated. And most importantly, we need to empower young girls with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.

If you’re on a similar journey, know that you’re not alone. Healing is not linear, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, joy, and relief—as you reconnect with your body. There is immense power in listening to what your body is trying to tell you, in exploring the root causes of your symptoms, and in advocating for the care and respect you deserve.

To all the women reading this: let’s continue to share our stories and support each other. Together, we can push for a future where women’s health is treated with the depth, compassion, and understanding it truly deserves.