(Very) Irregular Periods Post Recovery

[Capybara571]

Hello,

I wanted to ask if anyone in this community experienced persistent menstrual dysfunction following recovery from anorexia?

For some background, I had anorexia from ages 11 - 18. I reached the menarche (had my first period) at 17, following weight restoration. My eating patterns and BMI have been consistent (18-18.5) for the last seven years; but I have since had only a dozen periods, with my last one being three months ago.

Aside from a diagnosis of M.E, my health is otherwise OK.

I wondered if this might be a possible complication (albeit a minor one) of my history with anorexia?But was mostly curious to hear if others had experienced anything similar.

Thank you for reading.

Kind regards,

L x

[Houseelf]

From what I have read, research and (and information learnt through podcasts on the topic), it is likely the irregularity is due to not being at a healthy enough weight for you. The BMI you state is still low . Are you suppressing your weight to remain there, either through food or exercise?

[Capybara571 in reply to Houseelf]

Thank you Houseelf for your reply.

I don't currently engage in ED behaviors, and consume roughly 2300kcals a day for weight maintenance, with a range of micro and macro-nutrients. Nor do I exercise compulsively. However, according to a recent genetics test, my set-point was BMI 21, which corresponds with my projected weight at birth. So, it is quite possible that what you say is true.

Kind regards,

L x

[Hidden in reply to Capybara571]

How do you know what your genetic set point weight BMI is? That is really cool, I have never heard of such a thing...

[Capybara571 in reply to Hidden]

I took the 23 and ME Health and Ancestry Genetics Test to find out my genetically predisposed weight. And my projected BMI, correlated with my weight percentile at birth, which was plotted on a growth chart in my paediatric medical record book.

Genetically Predisposed Weight from 23 and ME

[Capybara571 in reply to Capybara571]

How 23 and ME determine Weight Predisposition

Screenshot from 23 and ME

[Hidden in reply to Capybara571]

Wow!

[Hidden in reply to Capybara571]

Well then if it says 21 and you're BMI is only 18-18.5 right now maybe that's why?

[Hidden]

Does anyone even know what BMI you're supposed to get to for menstruation to start again? I'm following your post as I have been asking the same question as well although unlike you I'm not in a recovered state but I have been in years past and I didn't get my period back for several months either and I wondered the same thing you were wondering. I hope you get it back as I hope I do too someday.

[Fashiongalxxx]

Hi, me too 😔 it is really worrying me. I am 27 currently in recovery from anorexia and have had erratic eating patterns for years which turned into full blown anorexia around 2 years ago. I am so worried because my periods are irregular and have been for a while. I’m getting a scan on my ovaries and I’m terrified incase I have pcos because I have now reached a healthy weight so I don’t understand why my periods are still so irregular. I feel your pain and worry it’s eating me.