Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Question

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 6/1/2011


Question
Several months ago, in an attempt to lose weight, I lowered my caloric intake and upped my level of exercise.  I began exercising everyday for at least 20 mins.  In some cases, I would exercise between 1 and 3 hours a day. Prior to that, I exercised maybe twice a week or less.  Shortly after upping my exercise routine, I lost my period.  I have been without it for 4 months now. About a month ago, I decreased my exercise level to 30 mins a day. Is my increased exercise cycle a factor in losing my period?  If I stop working out for a while, will I get my period back? What should I do?

Answer
Jeanne Rust, PhD
Jeanne Rust, PhD
Dear Nicole,

Absolutely your exercise has something to do with the loss of your period.  What is your height and weight now?  I can answer you more accurately if I know that!

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

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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