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Expert: Joanna Lhulier, Psy.D. - 7/22/2008


Question
Hi Joanna,

I am recovering from anorexia and bulimia. I first became anorexic in July 2006, and bulimic in spring 2007. (Bingeing/purgeing approx once a week now.)

My question is about periods. I have only had one period in the last two years, and that is really worrying me. I have been to a GP but she just told me to put on weight; she didn't seem to realise how hard that is for me.

My weight is currently around 115 lb, and my height is 5'8. I have been this weight for a while now and I am finding it very difficult to leave the comfort zone of eating certain foods, etc. I feel healthy, think I look OK, and I am nowhere as obsessive about food as I used to be. I seem to have stabilised at this weight. I can't see myself objectively to determine whether I am too thin or not; sometimes I feel obese. My question is; do you think my weight is too low to allow menstruation, or could it be down to another factor, such as a nutritional imbalance?

Thankyou,

Louise

Answer
Hi Louise-
I can understand why you are worried.  Congrats on getting yourself more stabilized.  I know that it takes a lot of very hard work.  About not getting your periods, I really cannot say what might be the cause but it is certainly possible that your weight is just too low.  Obviously, you are very thin, almost dangerously.  That being said, there could be another issue at play.  I think it might be a good idea to get checked by an endocrinologist (hormone levels) or gynecologist to see if there could be another explanation.  

I am sorry that this is happening, and I hope that you can get it figured out soon.  I wish you the best of luck in your ongoing recovery.
Take Care,
Dr. Joanna Lhulier

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

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Joanna Lhulier, Psy.D.

Expertise

I can answer several different types of questions about eating disorders, and how to deal with them. I can help figure out how to determine whether an individual needs professional help; how to choose what type of treatment may be most effective (i.e. therapist, nutritionist, psychiatrist or combination). I can give information about what a person can do to avoid relapse which would include an explanation regarding how to identify and avoid triggers and give ideas about where to get help in person and online. I can also give advice to concerned family members or friends. Perhaps most importantly, I can help increase self-understanding and acceptance.

Experience

I have been in private practice for seven years. My specialty is working with individuals struggling with eating disorders and/or body image issues. I work with individuals, couples, and families.

Organizations
The American Psychological Association Eating Disorders Hope Division 39 of APA (Psychoanalytic Psychology)

Publications
I have published a paper about training in the Psychoanalytic Psychology journal which is sponsored by the American Psychological Association. My writing and presentation interests include exploring topics such as loneliness, the learning process, and the benefits of mindfulness meditation.

Education/Credentials
I have earned a doctorate in Professional Psychology from the George Washington University (2001). I obtained my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University (1997).

Awards and Honors
I serve as a member of the Clinical Supervisory Faculty for The George Washington University's Professional Psychology Doctoral Program. I am also an adjunct professor in Argosy University's Professional Psychology Doctoral Program.

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