Expert: Ryan Hale - 3/10/2010

Question
I am a 17-year old girl and I had anorexia nervosa a year ago. I have always been a long distance runner but I stopped running when I was in recovery. I am now 5'6 & 130 pounds, eating somewhere around 2500 cals a day, and very healthy. I started running again on my school team because I love it and although I'm not losing any weight I've stopped getting my period. I'm very worried about this because my family has a history of osteoporosis. I will stop running if I need to but I was wondering if there is some other way to get my period back? I now run 4 days a week.

Answer
Kim- the menstrual cycle can be a tricky thing.  There are some female body builders who are super, super lean and will continue to have a period even when they have very low body fat levels.  Other women can go through some emotional stress, some life changes like changes with a work or school schedule, or start a work out program and there cycle will thrown out of whack or stop.  For the most part, it is dependant on your body composition (how much lean muscle vs. how much body fat you have).  That number can have a wide range and varies individually.

 Not menstruating during a sports season will not be bad for your health, however, too many missed periods, especially consecutive or over a long period of time can effect your risk for osteoporosis.  I'm guessing that you are at a safe and healthy weight, so it may just not have had enough time to "normalize" or become regular.  It could just be the added stress of running.  If it comes back in the off season, it shouldn't be a problem.  I would talk to your doctor and at your age, it is time to start seeing a gynecologist if you aren't already (especially if you are sexually active).  Talk to your folks about it if you don't yet see one.  A gynecologist can talk about this with you further and may change birth control medications if you are taking them or recommend it if you aren't.  Many women take the pill to help regulate their period and not just for birth control.  It's something to talk over with your folks and your doctor.

The running is a healthy thing in your life and the impact on your body can help build bone density.  I would also add weight training, as this specifically can have a great impact on one's bone density (if done at a moderate or intense level so lose the little 2lb dumbbells from the aerobics class).  Talk to a qualified trainer at your local health club or rec center in your community. You can also start by talking with your coaches about the desire to do some weight training (at least in the off season).