Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Period

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Expert: - 3/21/2010


Question
Hi,it's Jenny again.  I mentioned before not having a period by age fifteen, and having a previous history of anorexia, but I forgot to mention that I'm very athletic.  I do a sport every quarter of the school year: cross country during the fall, swimming or wrestling in winter, and track in spring.  I also go on runs and bike rides every now and then outside of school.  Does being physically active also delay periods?

Answer
Jenny-  being very athletic can delay the onset of your period or cause some irregularity.  Sometimes young women don't develop a regular cycle until almost 20 yrs or older.  It most often has to do with low body fat, although there are some women who are extremely lean and still have their period or even get pregnant.  Other women can be near normal weight and life stress or a small amount of fat loss can cause their period to stop.  It is very individual for each woman and her body type.  Like I said, all good things to discuss with an ob/gyn doctor.

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

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Ryan Hale

Expertise

I can answer questions specifically geared towards athletes and their eating issues. I would be able to assist parents or coaches with questions or concerns about disordered eating practices often found in the exercise and sports settings. I also have experience in training and conditioning so I am in a position to discus how the two interrelate.

Experience

I have a bachelor's degree in sports medicine and master's degrees in sport psychology and clinical counseling. I have done counseling with individuals, couples, and families, with specialization in athletes. Past clients have included triathletes, dancers, college cyclists, and Pro Tour cyclists.

Organizations
National Athletic Trainer's Assoc. American Counseling Assoc

Education/Credentials
bachelor's degree sports medicine master's degree sport psychology master's degree clinical counseling Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer with NATABOC Nationally Certified Counselor with NBCC Colorado Registered Psychotherapist

Past/Present Clients
U.S. national team level female athletes High school athletes Semi-pro soccer Pro Tour cyclists Triathletes Dancers

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