I have a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Psychology from Northwestern University. I finished medical school and completed my M.D. at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. I am currently in my residency for surgery- hopefully to be specializing in neurosurgery.
I want to answer questions on medical type questions. I'm a big fan of Dr. Drew Pinsky on Love Line and would like to help younger people from the mistakes I see a lot of young people do when they come into my ER.
Gender: Male
Location: I'm from all over.
Occupation: Physician- Surgeon
Age: 29
AIM: ArunKSherma
Member Since: January 23, 2005
Answers: 188
Last Update: January 2, 2009
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Melanie4981
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I recently was told by a doctor I have an eating disorder. I'm 5'7", and weight 105 lbs. She said I am still growing and should weigh about 125. I haven't had my period for like 7 months!! I told my doctor that too. But, the thing is, I didn't start losing weight until November. My mom's gonna take me to a nutritionist soon to tell me how I should be eating. But I'm scared I messed up my body & will never get my period back, or that I caused my breasts to never grow again. Could I have caused those 2 things? PLEASE be HONEST! Thanks (link)
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You are suffering from what is called secondary amennorhea (which means you haven't had your period in greater than 6 mos but you do have a period). A lot of people who have anorexia (by defn includes amenorrhea), are below or at 85% of their ideal body weight. This is what your doctor is concerned about.
To have regular "pubertal" growth (including menstrual periods and development of secondary sex characteristics (ie hair, breasts), you need to have a certain percentage of body fat (often between 16-24%). It is often seen that people with low body fat have hormonal problems (athletes esp). The hormones that are responsible for development are steroid hormones which are produced from cholesterol, which as you know, is a fat.
So, your doctor is just concerned that you don't have enough fat and weight to have a normal pubertal/hormonal response to growing. It is important that you eat properly and a good blend of foods that give you all the nutrition that you need. When you get to a more appropriate weight and body fat content- your periods will come back and the development of your secondary sexual characteristics. If it continues though, it may be beneficial to go to the doctor and be put on an estrogen/progesterone supplement (ie oral contraceptives) to help give you a regular period.
Best of luck.
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Rating: 5
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Thank you so much, that answer included everything I asked. And thanks for the luck, I need it.
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