Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 10/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I am 20 years old and recovered from servere anorexia, I have been eating enough and eating healthy since the beginning of this year. When I was anorexic, at my lowest I weighed 55 pounds at 5'2". I ate under 100 calories a day. I increased to about 600 and started gaining weight rapidly. I saw a doctor and he said there was nothing wrong with me. A waste of money, and he was very uneducated and harsh. He told me to eat 1,000 calories and walk for an hour every day. Clearly he didn't know anything about the situation, because I know you should not eat under 1,200. So since January I have been eating 1,200 calories per day, healthy balanced foods, and exercising 10-15 hours per week. The problem is I am still gaining weight! I'm probably up above 125 now, and it is all around my middle. I've heard that this usually normalizes in a few months, but it's been almost a year. I haven't had a period since July of 2007. Does this have anything to do with it? I figure my hormones must be out of whack. I can't continue to gain, it's too scary. Is it possible I might never get a period back, and have this excess weight forever? And if I do get it back will it help with weight loss? Would it be wise to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist? I have had horrible luck with doctors. I just want to be healthy and normal and fit, but it seems like it will never happen. Please help, I don't know what to do.

Thank you

ANSWER: Dear Christann,

I'm so glad that you wrote!  I think another doctor is in order and a visit to an endocrinologist would be wonderful.

You were a very severe anorexic and it's possible that you've done quite a lot of damage to your body.  We can hope that it's not permanent damage.  This is why the endocrinologist will be so helpful for you.

Would you please let me know what he/she says?  I'm concerned!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I didn't know I was so servere. :( I hope there is nothing broken so bad it is unfixable. I have an appointment with an endocrinologist on Sept. 22nd, and I hope she can be a help to me. I will let you know how it goes, thank you for you're concern. You're very kind.

ANSWER: Dear Christann!

I'm just thrilled that you'll be seeing the endocrinologist!!  Yea!

Warmly,
Jeannie
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Jeannie, It's Christann again. I told you I would let you know how everything is going, so here it is. I went to the endocrinologist and took many many many blood tests. It turned out I have "mild" hypothyroidism, and my estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA are all low. My insulin is normal. I was given levothyroxine (25 mcg) for my slow thyroid and have been taking it for a week. No difference yet, but I hear it takes 4 to 6 weeks to take effect. Do you think maybe it would be a good idea to start on the birth control pill as well? Amenorrhea can be caused by hypothyroidism, but I don't think mine is. I think they're two separate issues. I'm just scared that I'll end up with osteoporosis or endometriosis, or something even worse. But if the pill makes me gain any more weight.. I just can't do it! Looks like I'll have to play the waiting game for another month and a half to see if what she gave me will actually work.
How frustrating.
Thank you for your concern, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my diagnosis and fears.
-Christann

Answer
Dear Christann,

Yea Yea -- I'm so glad you went to an endocrinologist!  Perfect -- did you tell the doctor about the eating disorder?  It makes sense that you not having your period if your estrogen is low.  Now is the time to wait, and try not to obsess.  Just keep eating normally and keep in touch with me.  You won't get osteoporosis or endometriosis if you're eating in a healthy way!

You are doing so so well, Christann!

Warmly,
Jeannie
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com