low fat + low iron diet = absent period?

Not sure if anyone can give me any input here but ive missed my Ttom twice and i'm pretty sure im not pregnant, i am trying to lose last ten pounds and def dont have an ED, I usuallly eat about 1200 cals a day, I'm 136 pounds and 5'10 so I am a healthy BMI, just looking to lose vanity pounds, I know I dont take in enough iron and I eat a very low fat diet, about 20g a day, usually get in about 115 g of carbs, 40g of protein and 20g fat each day. I know I'm not underweight and although I havent gotten my body fat % measured I can def assure you I dont have a low one. Anyway im a bit puzzled, I know I should see m doctor but I cant afford to get time off work at the moment so I'm just looking for suggestions. Thanks.

Although it could be the lowfat diet, I'm willing to bet it's because you aren't eating enough. You're eating the bare minimum for weight loss; are you trying to lose weight quickly? I was in the same position a while ago--I wasn't underweight, but wasn't eating enough, and lost my period. Even when I gained weight I still didn't get my period until I ate a lot more. Also, do you work out? Intense, regular cardio can also cause a loss of period. And you should try to make sure you're getting plenty of iron, as it's essential for menstruation. An absence of periods is common in people trying to lose weight, and it can be dangerous. I'd say just try to get enough iron and maybe eat a little more? [Sorry if I didn't help at all, lol]

No, thanks for the reply, I used to exercise everyday, mostly cardio for an hour a day, but have been so tired and busy the last two weeks ive cut down to an hour only twice a week, Im definitely getting back into it though starting monday because i feel so lazy and feel like ive to eat less to compensate, Im not trying to lose weight super fast, ive been losing about a pound a week, which is healthy and CC has worked out that i eat 1200 cals per day, considering my low activity the last couple of weeks, I must say I have a hard time gettin iron in my diet, I eat red meat but maybe only twice a month, but I do eat broccoli twice a week, gonna start on supplements too, bcos i know its why ive been feeling tired.

Im 14 and i havent got my period yet... im eating plenty, (around 1900-2300 calories a day.) I also exercise a lot though and ive heard that exercise may slow down your period or something.

I dont think i get enough fats either though so that may be my problem. im taking a supplement with 100% iron in it, so i have plenty of that.

Go to the grocery store and pick up those 100 cal. packs of almonds. i just got some. they've got 11 grams of fat each. Im going to try and eat at least one, maybe 2-3, per day.

im ready for my period all ready:(

Basically, your body could be trying to savour calories, because your calorie intake is too low, so it has temporarily stopped the menstrual cycle. However, your lack of iron isn't helpful either as women actually require more iron because of their period as blood is lost as it is used specifically in the haemoglobin in blood cells. This will also be the reason bhind your lethargy because iron helps transport oxygen around the body; your low calorie intake will also contribute to the tiredness.

Beanaparker, the chances are that, again, due to your high activity level, your body can't afford to use calories in the menstrual cycle but if you actually increased the calories to a sufficient amount that accounts for all aspects - age, height, growth etc., lifestyle and EXERCISE, you may begin your periods. Although, many people don't start their periods til later and it is only worrying at about 16. It's generally all down to when your mum and other family members began their periods

i've lost my period, and haven't seen it for months - it's been spotty for years..don't know why. i'm definitely not pregnant - you need to have sex for that which i have not had in awhile ha....my docs don't seem that worried about it - i don't know i've begun to think maybe i'm infertile?

My mom got her period at age 18!!! yeah i know...super late. But she was totally healthy and everything...

Beanasparker, then if your mum got it at that age, chance is you'll start later too; starting your period is usually more dependent on genetics than whether a person is healthy or not although that obviously is a factor.

To the OP you are definitely not eating enough. 5'10 and you only eat 1200 cal? seriously? Eat more. Eat more fats too.

Beanaparker: my mom got her period at 13.

I didn't get mine till I was almost 17.

At 14 you don't need to worry

can i just say that 1200 is my recommended amount by CC

you shouldn't really trust CC for a good guideline of how many calories you should eat actually, cause it doesn't take into account your BMR... it'd be good if you could check out some BMR calculators online, and eat at least that amount for healthy weightloss! (: (i'm not sure if supplements are actually good, but i've been taking calcium supplements and a multivit just in case dieting kills my body and puts me at risk of ostereoperosis or something later in my life... you might want to supplement whatever you might lack in your diet (iron and omega-3 oil tablets maybe?)