Embarassed about losing my period

I haven't had a period in 7 months. Before that I'd had it pretty regularly for a year-ish. I know it's because I'm underweight; my BMI is in the 18ish range and basically I lost 20 pounds in a few months, like 4 months.

But I was talking to my friend the other day and she said she had skipped a period and was going to see a doctor (and it's not because she thinks she's pregnant). So I was just wondering, is it necessary to see a doctor about this? I mean, if I already know what he's going to tell me: "You're underweight. Gain some weight and you'll get your period back," then do I really need to see a doctor? Does not having a period have other consequences?

Please don't reply with "You need to gain some weight, honey." I know this, and I'm working on it.

You should read this NHS article on the causes and treatment of amenorrhea.  

The medical implications of being underweight also don't stop with gynaecological problems, of course.  There are many problems associated with malnutrition in general.  Doctors will say 'gain weight' because that's the root of the problem but they will probably want to run some tests to be able to give a more complete diagnosis.  If you're making serious efforts to gain weight and improve your diet that's fantastic.  If you're having difficulties then you could benefit from seeing your doctor and/or being referred to a dietician.

losing the period can be caused by  the fact that you are underweight, but not necessarily! it can be caused by some other pretty serious disorders... you should visit a doctor

even if you are right and all he will say will be "gain some weight, honey", then what are you losing? but if it was caused by something else...

I lost my periods nearly two years ago now, because of anorexia, rather than it being that you are underweight, you lose your perids because you aren't eating enough and losing weight at a fast rate. It's your body's way of conserving calories.

 Best advice I can give is go to your doctor and try and eat a good, balanced diet before you get two years down the line and are suffering the consequences

There are consequences to not getting your period. Amongst other things, you risk osteoporosis, since in women especially calcium uptake into bones is mediated by estrogen and other hormonal interactions. I would definitely say go see a doctor. Even if they say "gain weight" they may also put you on a birth control pill so that you are getting the hormones your body needs, even if they are synthetic.

Oddly enough, I lost my period for the first time this past month. I'm not pregnant and I had all the symptoms of PMS and I knew I was about to start. Then I bled lightly for half a day and that was it! I'm not underweight by any means (I'm 125 and 5'2") and I have been 120 before and still had my period so I have no idea why I lost mine. 

So my mom is making me an appointment just because we're both stumped on why it didn't happen.

My doctor prescribed me birth control and said it would help regulate the flow of my period back. I have not yet taken it since I was told by a family member, "it will come back on its own..." but it hasnt so I am going to start taking it soon. The only difference is I lost my period at a healthy weight (but even the chart at the doctor's office ranged a healthy bmi from 18-24.9 so you're probably there... just not on this site) but if you feel uncomfortable without it and want it back at your current weight without gaining then maybe ask your doctor if you should start taking it. Also the pill doesn't put the weight on you, its just you'll feel more hungier and will have to control that so it's not really that you'll still have to put on weight to get it back.

Hey this happened to me as i was underweight in teh low 18s of my BMI and i didn't have a period properly for about  years however im okay now. Im warning you to see a doctor of rmany reasons:

1) There is a high chance you will not be able to have children in the future

2)Most of the calcium needed for the bones in women is releasd through your menstrual cycle so without this, there is a possibility that you will get osteoporosis

3) Also not having your period, stops hormones such as oestregen being produced as much , your skins condition worsesns and you grow more hair on th ebody (this is also form being underweight)