Expert: Ginger M. - 11/28/2008

Question
I suffered from anorexia and lost about thirty pounds, but I remained at a healthy weight for my height (5 ft. 2 in. and 100 lbs). I lost my period in January 2008 and began eating normally in April 2008. I still do not have my period (November 2008) and really want it back. I was just wondering if I need to gain weight or make changes to my diet or wait it out. Thank you.

Answer
HI Kathleen,

Thanks for your question, and congratulations on your recovery!

I get this question a lot. How long did it take you to lose the 30 pounds? Do you weigh 100 pounds now? In people with anorexia, periods disappear when their body fat percentage drops too low, and they aren't producing enough estrogen to menstruate (and this percentage is different for everyone). Once your body fat gets back to a healthier level, your period will come back. The frustrating part is that this often takes some time. When it happened to me, it only took three months to come back, but for some other girls I know, it took up to a year. A few girls I've worked with went to their doctor, who gave them the pill- this stimulated their periods to start again.

I wouldn't worry about it yet, if I were you, but I probably would have a doctor/nutritionist take my weight and body fat percentage and take a look at my diet to see if I could do anything different. Sometimes recovering anorectics can have a different idea of what "normal" eating is than what is actually healthy, and while they may be eating enough calories, they may not be balanced (leading them to be malnourished instead of undernourished, like they were previously). Do you eat mainly fruits and vegetables, or do you balance out your fruits, veg, protein, carbs, etc.? Do you eat enough healthy fats?  You may just have to continue eating healthily and wait it out until your body settles into your new healthy eating plan. It's frustrating, I know ...but your period will come back.

Hope this helps!

Ginger