Expert: Joanne - 6/11/2007

Question
I Would like to know if bulimia causes hormonal imbalances, because I have been bulimic since i was 14 and am now 19 I don't do it really bad anymore but I still do it a couple times of the week, I am defiantly trying to stop. I noticed that I have symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, mood changes, and excessive hairiness. I cant seem to loose weight especially in my stomach, and I was also wondering how long it will take my metabolism to get back to normal so I can start losing weight the right way, I try to eat healthy and normal and I exercise 3 times a week most of the time.  

Answer
I'm obviously just a medical student and don't know much (lol), but I would suggest talking to your Dr about these problems.

I did a bit of research recently on polycystic ovarian syndrome recently, and your symptoms could be consistent with that - so it is maybe worth asking your Dr to run some hormone tests to look at these, and maybe an ultrasound of the ovaries.

Are you having problems with your periods?  Finding it hard to lose weight around your stomach is often related to PCOS.

Your metabolism will stabilise in its own time.  Your body needs to be sure that it is going to get what it needs when it needs it, so will store what you eat in fear of going through times when it can't get it.  Once your body realises that it is going to be fed well and regularly, it should stop storing and use what you are eating as a fuel instead.  It is impossible to say when that will happen for you - but in order for it to happen you need to eat about 1800 calories, and definitely no less than 1500.

Please feel free to come back with any other questions.

All the best
Holly