Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 1/1/2011

Question
Hello Jeanne,

I have been started dieting since I was 17 in 2007 with meal replacement drink, Herbalife for breakfast and dinner and have lost weight from 55kg to 45kg. I only had lunch as my normal meal and fruits 2 hours before I take my meal replacement drink at night daily. During the last 3 months of that year I lost my period for 3 months and regain it back in early 2008. In the year of 2008 I had a weight gain of about 4 to 5 kgs due to lack of control over food intake and my food choices. Then I start to restrict my food again in the next few months until the end of 2008. Since January 2009 I've lost my periods until now which is 2 years. In 2009 I have a habit of taking laxatives in order to get rid of my stomach bloatation and constipation. In the mid year of 2009 I started eating breakfast with fresh fruit juices, low fat milk and wholegrain cereal, lunch, fruits as tea time and dinner and during that half year I hardly take laxatives and my bowel movements are normal for a constipated person. For that whole period of the year I hardly eat out and avoid any foods with any single drop of oil and my oil intake was very minimal. My weight at that year was 40 kg with body fat percentage of 18%. In year 2010 I opened myself a lil to various type of food but not oily foods. However during certain times when I feel like I have taken too much of food I will take laxative but not so often. I will have my detox tea about weekly in order to get rid of my stomach bloatation. My body weight is 42kg at the moment and my body fat percentage is about 23 to 24%. I've recently seeing a dietitian to have a better recovery which she encouraged me to take a least 5 teaspoons of oil in my food intake in order to have daily intake of 22 grams of fat.

I would like to know is it possible for me to get back my period still? My height is 150 cm.

Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Dear Janice,

thanks for writing!  I'm so glad you're seeing a dietitian!  This is so important.  If you keep on eating the way you are, you will get your period back.  your height and weight are good, your body fat very normal, and you're so aware of what you're eating.

If you don't get your period back in a couple of months, you'll need to go to the doctor who can give you some birth control medication to get your period started up again.  This can help tremendously.  With many young women, it simply takes time!

Please let me know how you do!

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
1-888-520-1700