Period Question

(I am in no way promoting anorexia, starvation diets, etc. in this post)

I'm a female teenager, and for a while, this year, I was not eating enough. I believe I am upping my intake now, slowly, and not so easily (I don't really count calories precisely).  But I am, and I think thats what matters. I had my first period last year, in September. Since then, I've only had it about once or twice. I told my mother, and she said when girls first get their periods, most of the time its irregular. But the last time I had it was probably at the beginning of this year! I'm thinking I should go see a doctor, and my mom said she could take me.

But what do I say? I am in no way underweight (115 pounds, around 5'5) so I'm doubting its because I ate so little for a while. Or is it because I ate so little for a while, I have permanently screwed up my period?

Obviously a doctor would be best for me to see, for questions to be answered, but if anyone has some helpful info, it would be appreciated.

you sound at least a little underweight. :/

do you have an appt set for the dr?

No, I'm really not underweight. I checked on a childrens/teenagers BMI - http://www.bcm.edu/cnrc/bodycomp/bmiz2.html

It says I have a 19.2 BMI.

I don't have an appointment set yet, I wanted to hear if anyone else has gone through this sort of thing first.

Generally speaking, if a woman misses three or more consecutive periods, she should go to a doctor. However, you just began menstruating 9 months ago. If you feel like you're still suffering with disordered eating, I'd suggest telling your mom that you are having some serious trouble and ask her to take you to a doctor/nutritionist who could help you.

Also, was your BMI higher when you last got your period? I lost a lot of weight due to anorexia, and then gained it back during recovery. The very lowest I get my period is with a BMI of ~19.5, so maybe gaining a couple pounds (or at least eating enough calories to maintain) would help.

I first got my period when I was 13 and it was VERY irregular.  I had no poor eating habits (not underweight by any means, ever).  My first trip to the gynecologist at 16/17 I told the doc about it and he ultrasounded me "up there"...turned out I had PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).  I had a blood test done and it turned out I did have a little excess testosterone in my system.  I don't think you have this, but it is a possibility. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary _syndrome ; This link will show you symptoms of PCOS.

Also you don't have to have a vaginal ultrasound if you're a virgin, I avoided it completely when I was 16. They performed a regular ultrasound (full bladder, warm liquid on belly) instead.

Also, are you eating enough fat? Do you work out alot?

I got my period at 13 and it didn't come back til 16. Doctors said that it was "normal". Turns out it wasn't normal, so please get it checked out.

I had very irregular periods from the beginning til far into my twenties.  I also had excessive bleeding....at the time my mom told me it was normal.  I was not underweight....your weight could be fine depending on your structure type....my daughter is 11 and weighs 72 pounds....built like her dad, very active, very healthy, and genetically slender (didn't get it from me!!).....

Anyway, it turns out my periods were not 'normal', my hormones were very off and I had a vitamin deficiency....ask your doctor to do some blood work.  It is normal to a certain extent for periods to be irregular in the beginning...you didn't mention your age...older teen?  younger teen?      &nbs p;  Also, not eating enough, or a lot of the wrong kinds of food can hurt your metabolism at any age.  Make sure that your eating style is supportive of a growing teen....you need more NOW to help you be healthy and lean now and later on in adulthood...example: calcium, vit. D for prevention of osteoporosis....you may not care now, but you will later!!  Be your own bestfriend for your future!  BTW...the damage you are asking about shouldn't be perminent....depending on the cause.    Good luck with the doctor....GREAT JOB TALKING TO YOUR MOM!

It almost seems like there's no point in going to the doctor, if he/shes just going to tell me its normal. And I haven't actually told my mother, my dad, or anyone, about my eating problems. I doubt they'd believe me if I did.

However, since I'm a bit worried now, I'll tell my mother to get that appointment. What you tell your doctor is confidential, right? But I have been trying to eat better. I don't know, I'm feeling depressed about all of this. I need to see a doctor.