Still waiting...

I know there are already quite a few posts concerning periods, but I'm just wondering if anyone is/has been in a similar situation to me.

I'm 17, and haven't had a period since I was 13. I got them quite early, when I was 11, then lost them as I lost weight and my anorexia developed.

Weightwise, I'm doing pretty well at the moment. I'm now 49kg (at 5'6) and am nearly at my goal of 51kg. Before I was ill I'm guessing I was about that, but I can't be sure. When I was really ill I went down to 35kg, got admitted to an IP unit and came out at 55kg. Then relapsed last year, and am now doing well, and have been for a few months.

Foodwise, I eat pretty much anything nowadays, except I'm vegetarian. But I eat lots of fats (unsaturated and saturated) and protein, and am having 2300+ calories everyday. I don't do much sport, only badminton once a week and walking, but nothing strenuous.

So basically, has anyone not had periods for 4+ years and got them back? Most people seem to have only been without for a little while on the posts I've seen. And I'm not allowed to use birth control.

Can anyone help? I really want kids when I'm older, so am panicking a bit now.

xxx

I haven't had mine since I was 14 (I'm 18 now) either. Like you I developed them young (10) and I'm worried too. I'm not expecting mine any time soon though because my weight is still low (trying to gain atm.)
Have you talked to your doc about it? Your BMI is only 17.8 which is probably part of the reason why.

Good luck.

Thanks for the reply :)

Looks like we're kind of in the same boat...

Yes, I have spoken to my doctor, and my family, and team etc. But they say now its just a case of getting to - and staying at - a healthy weight and waiting to see what happens. I can have a scan after a few months of being at target to check my ovaries. I just want to know if there is anything I can do with my diet etc?

I know I'm still technically underweight, but my BMI is now much, much healthier than it was before (12) so I feel so much bigger and like I'm at a weight were I should be getting periods (if that makes sense!)

xxx

Yeah it's probably still too low a BMI for ya.  Especially after your body's been starved a bit, it wants to be "extra safe" before it gets it's act together.  You're pretty active too, right? That could also factor in.  I know my Dr. told me that while I did/do need to gain weight, the period was more a factor of energy balance with all the activity I was doing, not so much my weight--although i know that didn't help! 

I haven't had mine in three years  and have gotten my weight back up into a healthy range/BMI. So I feel you there... I'm also pretty active though, too.

you can be at a healthy bmi and not get your period if you are not eating enough for your activity (especially if your fat intake is too low).  may want to reduce the activity/make sure you get enough fats.

i dont think you have a potatoes pj's hope in getting your period at 5'6 adn 49kg. i would say more like 55-57kg.

i get you need to decide is it the weight and control or the life you want?

Fidget's absolutely right.  I'm 170 cm and have just reached about 58 kg.  I'm still not getting my period yet. 

Choose life, and to be a mum who will provide a good example to her children health and happiness-wise. 

You've done amazingly well getting this far.  Don't stop now.

All the best,

Mel.

Thanks for all the replies.

You are right about the weight, I know that. I guess I just need to stop making excuses. Its just difficult when I look so much better, to not actually BE healthy yet!!!

As for BMIs, what is the recommended level to get to? I've been told so many different things by so many different people :s

xxx

Recovering from restriction/anorexia, aim for at least 20.