Bulimia nervosa may accompany anorexia, or it may occur by itself. It is estimated to occur in 1.1 to 4.2% of females. Bulimia nervosa can lead to severe tooth decay, intestinal and kidney problems, muscle cramps, heart problems, ruptured stomach or esophagus, and death.
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Very good questions! Usually, when a person who has 'lost' their periods due to the weight loss associated with an eating disorder, restoring their weight to what is healthy for them, will likely result in their periods resuming once again. Of course everyone's situation is different, and the length of time that one has been ill may come into play, but our bodies are pretty amazing when it comes to healing. The average person will resume their menstrual periods at a weight that is about 10% below their healthy weight. This is sometimes used as a determining factor for a person's goal weight range. But again, it's not set in stone. In recovery, there really are not 'always' or 'never' issues, except in terms of how you can stay healthy after treatment. But, the thing to remember is that unless weight is restored, the menstrual cycles are not likely to ever return, which results in infertility. Take care!
http://freefromexpectations.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your answer It's was very helpful ,But im not quite sure on what you mean about 10% below healthy weight ? could you explain that a bit more or give an emaple ? It would be much appreciated .
You are welcome. I'm happy to explain. Sorry if it wasn't very clear. For example, if your 'healthy' weight is 130 pounds, and your body knows that :), it's very likely that your hormones will begin to produce normally again and you would start having periods again at about 117 pounds or perhaps between 115-120, which would be about 90% of your healthy weight (or 10% below). Does that make more sense? Take care.
http://freefromexpectations.blogspot.com/
Thank you very much for your reply , Yes that make alot more sense.
Hi i also forgot to mention ths in my earlier question but will the return of the Menstrual cycle improve loss of bone density ?
Hi i also forgot to mention ths in my earlier question but will the return of the Menstrual cycle improve loss of bone density ?
YES!! It will be a great help in the prevention of osteoporosis, along with continuing to provide your body with adequate nutrition!!
http://freefromexpectations.blogspot.com/
Hi I have another qiestion and i'm sure that by now it's obvious that they are about myself. I'm a little worried about my bone density because i had a scan done last week to compare to one i had done in 2008 and my bone density has gone down by almost 10%, my dr said that once i get my period back that this should increase over the next year but i have read that sometimes this does not happen and people still get osteoporosis even after recovery Is this true? i'm really freaking out over this because the whole reason i made the decision to start gaing again was because i was afraid of that happening but now i feel so confused because what the point if it's just going to happen anyway.
Reenie...your doctor is correct that some bone density can sometimes be rebuilt, and now they have medications that help to promote that. The important issue at this point is to get your body nutritionally stablized and keep it there so as to prevent further damage. It's never too late to make a difference and prevention is a great reason to continue...plus, the increased QUALITY of your life experiences!! Don't give up...keep fighting for your life!! Take care....
http://freefromexpectations.blogspot.com/
Hey it's me again i have another question about periods , last friday i had some blood test done to find out if my hormone levels had return to normal and i went to see they dr today about the result and she said that my progesterone ,prolactin and thyroid levels are normal but my estrogen wasnt and now she has said i may have an ovarian cyst and i asked her if it was just because of the perivous eating disorder and she said that a cyst was prob more likely but she also said she didnt know much about eating disorders so im really confused. My bmi is currently 19.4 but it has only been that for about a month my lowest bmi was 13.3 and that was in 2008. I maintained a low bmi of 17.1 for about a year (all of 2009)and recently decided to get to a healthy range which is going really well.A I havent had a period since november 2007.so In your opinion which cause do you think is more likely. would it be a cyst or just that my hormones are still trying to regulate ?
Reenie...good job of getting your weight back to a more healthy range!! My first inclination is that your body needs more time to restore, and I think your periods will return in time. I'm not sure how much a cyst would affect this. You might consider seeing an endocrinologist, but the tests you had done are pretty extensive. Time may be your best friend right now. Did your GYN say how big the cyst is? Did she think it needed any attention at this time?
Please try to be patient..stay in touch! Jan
http://freefromexpectations.blogspot.com/
Hi Jan , My dr has not actually confirmed that i have cyst but she believes i do because my period still has not returned she recomended that i wait a little longer and if nothing happens then to have a ultra sound.
Reenie...sounds like a smart plan. Try to be patient. I know it's hard, but I truly believe that your body will heal in time!! Take care!
http://freefromexpectations.blogspot.com/
Hey I just though i'd let you know that my period has returned :) i'm so relieved and happy. The one thing i dont get is how why my estrogen levels show up as low on my blood test ? will it eventually increse over time if i continue to menstruate? would the increse in estrogen also help my breast to fill out and grow again .
That is wonderful!! A sure sign of improved health! I do think that your hormone levels will improve over time, just keep doing what you need to keep your weight where it needs to be, and don't over exercise. That can affect your hormone levels a lot.
I would expect that as your hormone levels normalize and stay at a healthy level, your body will naturally mature as it is intended to do. I know it's hard, but try to be patient.
I am very happy for you!! Take care!
Jan
http://freefromexpectations.blogspot.com/