Expert: Joanne - 3/1/2008

Question
I am 5'8" 127# female.  I was 104 06/2007.  I am switching from being a vegan (which was just an excuse for restriction).  I'm also a fitness instructor.  I haven't had my period since 10/2007.  I did a "progestrone trial" but it did not restore my period.  I am eating 2000 calories a day but my hair is still falling out, I'm also cranky all the time, my bones hurt and I'm, well, pretty miserable.  I don't have insurance, I am just getting established in my profession (yoga) and seeing a doc at $100 a pop isn't an option for me.  I could barely afford the progestrone trial - that did nothing.

I want to be healthier and do my job, which I love.  I tend to be a self-punishing overexerciser, regardless of what I have learned through yoga.  I have a different set of rules for myself.

I want this to stop, completely.  It hasn't. I've gained but I am uncomfortable about eating.  I don't know what to eat, I still think I don't deserve to eat.  Again, different set of rules.

It rules my life still, I weigh at least 10 times a day and I have been back on the laxatives.

What do you suggest in these United States for someone who is 26, uninsured and in need of help?  I try to remain as "naturalistic" as possible, due to my beliefs but I can't do this alone.  It's really impossible.

My husband has been home with me for the past 2 months because I can't be left alone - I will exercise for 5+ hours a day (in addition to work).  He has to go back to work, we're broke - but he's so scared and honestly, I try to reassure him, but I am scared to death too.

Any info is soooooo appreciated!

Answer
Ginger

Unfortunately, I am unable to give advice as to where best to get help in your financial situation as I'm actually British, so don't work under your insurance-funded health-care, and really have no experience of it!

I would recommend looking at www.something-fishy.org  This website contains a lot of useful information, and also has message boards in which you may be able to find your answer, or pose the question yourself and await responses.

If you are very physical, I don't think that your calorie intake seems enough.  2000 calories is recommended for someone of moderate physical activity, if you are doing more than an average person, more is recommended - maybe another 4-500 or so!  

Your period will most likely not return until your body fat percentage increases, which sounds as though it may be hard to do due to your activity level.  Many athletes and extreme exercisers lose their period without the added stress put on the body through extreme restriction.  You may also find that your iron stores may be low, which means that body may be trying to conserve what it can due to your vegan diet.

It sounds as though you are really struggling here, and I feel that the best way for you to get out of this is to visit a doctor.  I don't know if there are clinics you could go to without the costs, or if there is any sort of free medical check-up that you could attend that you may be able to bring up your problems.

I would still recommend that you visit the website I suggested and see what people that may have the knowledge say, or maybe they will be able to give you contact details for an organisation that can help!

Joanne