Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 10/16/2008

Question
Hi, 10 months ago I lost only 5 kilos, but I lost my period, before my period used to be not very regular, but it never took so long, I'm worried as doctors run some tests, but can't seem to get to any conclusion - not to my satisfactory :-(  Can this affect my ability to have children in the future? Please let me know what you think.
Thanks so much!

Answer
is your weight loss eating disorde related. Sometimes a slight weight loss (5kilos s nearly 10+ pound which is pretty significant) or gain can cause your periods to go awry. If you are not getting enough energy (calories) then your body goes into "hibernation" to conserve enery... unfortunately your period is one of the things that stops in order to conserve. Once you get back to a healthy weight or body fat percentage your periods should resume to normal. Sometimes short-term hormones may be needed to give your body a jumpstart.