Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 10/27/2006

Question
I am 15 years old. I developed bulimia when I was thirteen, this slowed my growth to an inch per year. I had never had a period. I am the shortest in my family now by far, and even shorter than my mid parent height. I am eating a healthy diet with calium etc. hoping to grow, but i have still never gotten my period( i have been recovering for 4 months) I am convinced that I was supposed to be a few inches taller, what are the chances I could still grow a few inches and get my period. Also, I have been eating a ballanced diet and Definetly enough calories, but am losing weight. I am now underweight and it makes no sense, I was thinking it could be a thyroid problem and that could be the reason I am shorter an haven't gotten my period, or is it most likely just the bulimia?

Answer
Thyroid problems are common in people with eating disorders - moreso in those with anorexia though. However, it is still possible that you have a thyroid problem. Generally, if you were hypothyroid, you would have problems with weight gain, not weight loss, though. HYPERthyroidism can cause weight loss, palpitations, irregular menses. HYPOthyroidism would be more likely to cause a stunted growth, and heavy periods.

I would venture to say that most of your issues lies within your history of eating disorder. It may take more than 4 months to get things regulated with your period. If you have concerns you could see a gynecologist who may or may not recommend birth control pills to get you started.

The reason why you are now losing weight is probably because your metabolism has now started back up, and is therfore burning calories more efficiently. Feel free to bulk up your diet as much as you are comfortable with. Putting on a few pounds can also help in possibly starting your period.

No worries... you still have time to gain inches in your height. Just make sure you are getting enough nutrition in your diet to support the growth.