Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 9/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have been struggling with anorexia for a little over a year now. I am 15 years old and have never gotten a period yet. It seems like most of my friends have and others have started around 13 or 14. Would mine be delayed because of the anorexia or would it be related to something else?

ANSWER: Dear Sarah,

Thank you so much for writing!

Not getting your period is definitely one of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa.  I hope that you can talk to your mom about this and she can help you get some help.  One of the consequences of anorexia can be never being able to have your own children.  It's a pretty heavy price to pay!

It would be great if you could see a therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders.  A good nutritionist would be very helpful as well.

Let me know how you do!!

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

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

QUESTION: Yeah there deffinantly looking in to getting me a nutritionist that works with eating disorders.
And regarding me not getting my cycle yet, Do you think we should visit a doctor soon or do you think it would be better to wait a few more months and see if I ever end up getting it? Because if there was anything I could do now to prevent not being able to have children, I am willing to try it.

Answer
Dear Sarah,

I think you should get to the doctor as soon as possible.  Talk with them about the problem -- see what the doc has to say.  Sometimes they'll put people on birth control pills just to get their cycles started!

Let me know what happens!

Warmly,
Jeannie