missed period

[c_arolina]

I'm 23 and havent had a period in 3 months also the last one i had was alot lighter and briefer than any normal period i've had. I'm "technically" underweight despite my feeling fat and dieting constantly. However i weigh more than i did 2 years ago when my health began to suffer although my periods then were regular and never missed. I'm definately not pregnant and take daily vitamin and mineral supplements as advised by my gp and all blood test results are normal. I feel in good health and am only a few pounds underweight. Any ideas??

[littlemissx]

if

[littlemissx]

sorry about that. if you are underweight this can affect your cycle... you need to see your GP.

have you ever been diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa??? this is quite a common illness and maybe you need a little help x

[stanleyman]

Apparently under weight females can have their periods stop. You are probably anorexic, lighten up (sorry about the pun) and put a bit of weight on, it's no fun cuddling up to a sick skeleton!

[Robert G]

As well as agreeing with these earlier answers, I would also comment that a healthy young adult should be eating an adequate and balanced diet such that he or she should not need any vitamin and mineral supplements.

Yes, you may feel in good health, and you may also look healthy. I don't see a problem with being a few pounds underweight or overweight. You don't mention exercise, however, which may improve things for you.

Perhaps when you next see your doctor you could usefully ask again about diet and about exercise, because maybe a different diet with slight increase in calorie intake, coupled with the right amount of exercise to burn off those additional calories, would do the trick nicely.

I wish you good luck!

[c_arolina]

I excercise daily at home walk quite a distance to and from work and have a pyshically demanding job. I am a bit baffled though as to why my being slightly underweight would suddenly affect my menstrual cycle as i have been underweight for several years and it has never affected them before despite me getting quite ill a few years back. I have gained a little weight since then and feel physically healthier. My gp just fobbed me off when i mentioned my periods and said "well eat more" this is without him knowing what i do or dont eat and he was not interested in looking into it an further.

[Peghead]

If your GP isn't being helpful try calling the family planning helpline (I think they have their own website - try google), I've used it before and they were really helpful. Or you could find your nearest clinic and book an appointment to see a nurse.

I don't think you should worry too much at this point though - there are so many things that can affect your periods; stress, change in diet, antibiotics, even a slight change in lifestyle.

I take it your doctor has checked your thyroid gland? If not maybe you should ask for tests as this can cause weight loss and changes to your period.

Hope you get it sorted : )

[campbellking]

c-arolina. Do get yourself a proper check, because if you are underweight enough for your periods to have stopped, you may be heading for other problems such as osteoporosis. It may only be a blip, for example, related to stress in your life, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

[charliep88]

I dont know what the hell you`re worried about , I havent had a period in 68 and a half years.

charles

[stanleyman]

The comment from your doctor was spot on, it was obvious to him and me that you don't eat enough and you confirmed it by saying you diet constantly. Why?

You are trying to find reasons why everything is ok with that by saying you didn't have a problem two years ago when you were ill. Your body is probably feeling the effects of under eating more now. You say you are feeling fat and this appears to be the problem to overcome, you are not fat, I can see from here! Why not stop the dieting, eat normally and see if things improve?

[c_arolina]

stanleyman! when i do eat normally i feel ill, I know my eating habits are not normal but i've been like this so long that it its what my body is used to, i'm not in any danger , not continuously losing weight and i'm not ill so i don't see how this can affect my periods so badly, if my gp is not concerned of my eating habits then i dont see why i should be after all they know best. Plenty of people in this world are slightly over or under weight naturally its not like i'm wasting away and lets face it not everyone can be perfect can they. Thank you to everyone who gave me advice its much appreciated xx

[stanleyman]

Your body is telling you things could be better, you do need help to get over this denial but if you are not prepared to do something... I know how your doctor feels he has many other patients and he has given you good advice, you won't take it so what can he do?

You are now saying you are ok but if you want your periods back to normal you have to give your body something to work with. Try a gradual change. I see your answer regarding depression and I think this could be a physicological problem effecting you physically. You do not appear a happy bunny.

It's time to sort it out before you do get long term problems, try another doctor who may be more sympathetic. I'm concern about your eating habits so do it for me please!

[msemma]

c-arolina, I had eating disorders for several years. My periods stopped a year before I developed full blown anorexia nervosa in my teens. I have read that some doctors now believe the loss of periods a year before anorexia sets in is may be classed as a feature of the illness. Get it sorted - I went over 6 years without a period and worry what damage this may have done. It also took a long time for me to start having periods again after I reached a sensible weight.