Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 3/9/2007

Question
I am 5'4'' 24 years old and at this time last year I was 108 pounds due to very restrictive eating after the birth of my son (I weighed 135 pre-pregnancy). At first the weight loss was not intentional but then I started to like how I looked and kept going. When I hit 108 and noticed that I was starting to gain I resorted to bulimic behavior to keep my weight down. After I gained 4-5 lbs I continued this in a desperate attempt to hold my weight down. When my weight hit 108, my periods became irregular and then totally stopped even after I hit 112-113. I have now been without a period for 8 months even though I have a healthy diet and weigh 122 lbs (I hit 120 lbs about 4 months ago). However, I do work out at the gym and still wear a size 1 even with the weight gain (my body fat percentage is about 17 %). I have seen many drs and have been diagnosed with hypothalamic amenorrhea but my dr is unsure of the cause. Is my amenorrhea likely related to the eating disorder? If so, how long does it take to resume menses after you are completely recovered? I want to have more children but obviously can't right now and my estrogen levels are very low. Thanks.

Answer
It can take a while for periods to regulate even after resuming a healthy weight and normal diet. Your body fat percentage still may be a little on the low side, and I actually suspect that is the culprit). Regulation differs for everyone. There are medicines that your OB/Gyn can prescribe that help with fertility if that is what you are concerned about