Expert: Meg - 9/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Meg,
After loosing a lot of weight rapidly, I lost my periods - haven't had a cycle since November of last year. I've gained about 13-14 pounds over the past two-three months by simply increasing my intake and minimal exercise. But, there's still no sign of my cycle coming back. How long does it normally take to come back for someone who is recovering from anorexia? I just keep getting increasingly frustrated. I read online that eating fats will help in regaining periods - I've been eating A LOT of peanut butter (at least 10 tbsps a day, usually more), nuts (like 2 cups or maybe more - i just start eating out of the bag), etc. But, would eating fats help?
Lastly, my doctor's only option in regaining periods is taking the pill. Is there any hope that I can get my period back without taking the pill (especially since its been 10 months)? If I did start taking the pill (and I really don't want to unless its literally my final option), would I have to take it for years before my cycle is normal on its own?

Thankyou in advance.

ANSWER: Hi Elizabeth,

I don't know if there is really a scientific formula to know exactly when your cycle will come back.  It really differs for everyone, depending on your body and how quickly it can bounce back as well as how sick you were, etc.  

That said, my advice is to make sure that you're eating a healthy diet (including fats) and that your weight is back in a healthy range.  Once your body is again functioning normally, your period *should* eventually come back.  

I believe that its possible to get your period back without going on the pill.  I never did go on it, and it took awhile but I got back to normal so it is definitely something that can happen.  Conversely, I've known many girls who did take the pill and I think that is a more certain and quicker way to get it back.  But, in my opinion (and it is only an opinion, I would always consult and listen to your doctor as well) the most important thing you can do is let your body get used to regular nutrition and a balanced diet again, and get back to a healthy weight.  Unless there is some other problem, if you do that-then your period should resume.

I hope this helps and I'm sorry that I don't have a more technical answer for you.

And, I wanted to give you kudos for working so hard on your recovery.  Goodness knows, its not easy and it sounds like you've come a long way, which is great!  

Take care and please feel free to write again if there is anything else that I can help with.

Best,
Meg

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QUESTION: Hi Meg,
Thankyou *very* much for that answer. It helps reduce my frustration a little bit.
If you don't mind me asking, how long did your periods cease for and when did they return? I know there's no general statement as to when periods come back, but do you know of any other people recovering from anorexia who have gotten their cycles back to normal (i.e. having it regularly every month without any delays)after months to almost a year of not getting it?
Thankyou again. I'm trying very hard not to listen to 'the voice' and hearing from recovered people is very encouraging.


ANSWER: Hey Elizabeth,

Oh gosh, I lost my period a few times, the longest for about 4 years.  I think it took about a year and a half to come back, but like I said-it is different for everyone.  I do know people who haven't had a period for quite some time and do get it back.  Unless you have something physically wrong, I am pretty sure that you will eventually get it back once your body gets healthy enough again.  

And I'm glad that you're working on not listening to the voice...I know its hard, but I promise you that as you take little steps forward it does get easier.  And, you absolutely *can* recover and be healthy and happy with your body again.  It takes work and its a winding road and not always fun but its worth it.  And, one thing I have found (both with myself and with other girls I've known) is that as you recover, you figure out *you* a lot more and often people end up with a lot of wisdom and self knowledge from the experience-so there is a positive.

Anyway, keep on keeping on.  It sounds like you're on the right track and I wish you all the best!  

Write anytime :)

Meg

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QUESTION: Hi again Meg,
Just had another quick question about the recovery process. I find that I tend to binge eat quite a bit (but I don't skip meals). Is this common among other people? And will it ever go away? I find the 'urge' to eat so strong, that I can't control it sometimes. It gets better for a few days, but then starts to pick up again =(. Is there anything I can do to stop/ make this (compulsive eating) get better?

And second, I'm barely exercising these days (since the past two months) so that I can increase my weight. But, my mom and sister say that I shouldn't stop exercising. I'm just afraid that I might overdo it again =(. What would you recommend?

Thankyou again!

Answer
Hey Elizabeth,

It is actually very common for people recovering from anorexia to overcompensate a bit while they are recovering.  I like to think that your body is just readjusting and trying to get healthy again and sometimes, that involves eating more than you might have (if you had never had anorexia).  The other thing to keep in mind is that even thought it *feels* like you are binging, its probably not as bad as you think as the eating disordered mindset that tends to distort things is often still around for awhile and so it most likely feels like its worse than it is.  

My advice is to listen to your body and let it get healthy again and then worry about having a problem with binging.  Once you are at a healthy weight and eating regular meals, then the urges to overeat really do go away. But, in the meantime, I would try not to worry too much about it.

Its possible that your meal plan isn't giving you enough calories or enough fat or something, and this is why you're binging.  So you could look at your meal plan and reevaluate it.  

I also feel like the black and white thinking that people have (and goodness knows, I did) while anorexic tends to still be at play while recovering as well.  So, you probably feel like eating what you "should" be eating is good while going off the plan and eating other stuff is bad.  One thing I've learned as I've gotten better is that there really are no bad foods.  Sure, its great not to eat tons of sweets at one time, but even healthy people occasionally do that (*I don't just mean sweets, but you get the gist).  Sometimes, I think letting go of the good/bad thing can help you stop overeating if you are doing it as a reaction to the anorexia (meaning, now that you're eating and trying to get better, your body is kind of rebelling and going overboard on *bad* stuff).  Finding a balance is the key, but I think the first step is to really let your  body get healthy and know that it will be fed consistently.  

So, my long winded answer (sorry) is that it will pass as you get healthier and in the meantime, try not to worry *too* much about it-its most likely just your body readjusting.

In terms of exercise, I think its okay to take a break if you don't feel like exercising.  If you are going to exercise, I think you are wise to be aware that its easy to slip back into the same bad habits and obsessions from before.  I would suggest doing easier workouts (like walking or yoga) and also putting a time limit on your exercise so that you don't overdo it.  

Hope this helps and again, keep up the great work and write anytime.

Best,
Meg