Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 8/24/2008

Question
Ms Persing
I am on my way to recovering from lets just say MANY years of bulimia, this recent "cycle" my weight plummeted to 72lbs, but I was in treatment for 8 months and am at about 107lbs now, when I'm doing good, I'm usually 120-125 lbs.
My husband and I want kids desperatly, and I  still have not had my period return after a little over two years.
I have been to my family doctor and all my tests have been okay, I'm literally healthy as a horse, I'm not classified as underweight anymore, and I'm trying so hard, taking vitimans etc, I eat balanced meals and eat 5 times a day. Sometime I could SWEAR I have it, it's like ghost cramping and bloating... Have you heard of anyone not getting their period back and what complications happen for pregnancy?
I guess I'm just literally lost as what to do next.. I have a gyno appoint in Dec (Long time to wait)
Any suggestions?
Thanks with all my heart for any answers
Brooke

Answer
After recovery from an eating disorder it may take somet ime for your period to return. The time frame that this happens is individualized... I can't give you an exact for that. Just because you are not having a period does not mean that you are not ovulating though, and you could still potentially become pregnant even though you have not yet had a period. If you truly are not ovulating then a gynecologist can prescribe you medicines (hormones) that can jump start things and cause you to ovulate, which would increase your chances of pregnancy.

It has been found that people who suffered from an eating disorder in the past, or even during pregnancy, are at higher risk for post-partum depression. Even though you are at a healthy weight now does not mean that your body is at a point where it is ready for pregnancy yet. Gaining a few more pounds may be all it needs to start ovulating again. It could be that your body fat percentage has not yet reached a point that is appropriate for ovulation to occur either.