Expert: Joanne - 10/24/2004

Question
hi i am a recovering anorexic and ive been at my lowest healthy weight for about three weeks now but i still havent gotten my period back.(I havent had it in 7 months).  Anyways i was just wondering what the usual length of time is before women start menstruating again after theyve attained a healthy weight.  Im 5'7 and my weight has been fluctuating from 117-120lbs for the 2-3 weeks..

Answer
It varies from woman to woman as to how long it takes to see the return of your periods.  In some it will be a matter of weeks, for many it will be months, and for some it may even be years.

In order for the body to be able to menstruate, it needs to have a body fat level of about 22%.  You may ot have reached this level despite being a normal weight.  If you have got a 'normal' body fat level, it may be due to a lack of iron in your body.  The body stops menstuation to preserve its protein and iron stores.

If you period doesn't return within the next few months, providing you remain or increase your present weight, please seek the advice of your doctor.

Well done to you for beginning the recovery process.  I often think about how much I would give to go back to being 'normal'.  I wish you every success, and please let me know how things go for you - be it becoming the healthiest, most ED free person ever, or even if things aren't going great, I'll be here for all the support you need!

Lots of Love

Holly