haven't gotten my period back even after gaining weight….

priscillaes87
priscillaes87 Posts: 230
in Food and Nutrition
Ok so I got very underweight last year due to a combination of severely restricting my calories and stress. I have since gotten back up to a "healthy" weight (125-128 I'm 5'5''). I was having a normal period even at my lowest but I was on north control which apparently was forcing (and faking) a period the whole time. As soon as I got off nova ring last december, my period stopped completely and I haven't gotten it back yet even having gained 20+ lbs from where I was. I've kept up with dr visits and labs that have tracked my hormone levels which were low before but "normal" now. But if everything is within "normal" range… then where the heck is my period?!?

Is 125-128ish enough for 5'5''?? I continued to workout pretty frequently as I gained weight, but now in the last week or so I have decided to stop working out completely until my body starts its cycle again. Anyone have any insight whatsoever?? Any herbal teas or anything I can take to kick start my period? Gain more weight? anything?

This is a very sensitive subject for me cause my husband and I are trying to start a family and I feel like Ive compromised my body too severely :(

Replies

  • TheFangsKittie
    TheFangsKittie Posts: 117 Member
    Hard as it is try not to panic. I had no periods for almost two years after stopping a different kind of contraceptive. Some of them can cause absence for quite some time. Like you my hormones were normal too...trust your body it knows what to do and in time I hope they will return for you...I know if you are trying for a baby waiting months with nothing is distressing but its encouraging your hormones have gone back to normal. Stay strong :)
  • breanazank
    breanazank Posts: 44
    I'm the same. I had anorexia from late elementary into high school/college. I rarely had my period, maybe 2 times out of the year if that. I since have gained weight and live a healthy lifestyle without restricting/not eating and getting in my proper exchanges and nutrients, etc. I still don't get my period regularly, but I do get it more often than I used to. Your body takes time to acclimate. Just give it time. It might be inconsistent now, but it will soon get back on track. If you still have irregular menstrual cycles, I suggest seeing a doctor and possibly getting on hormones (not sure if your pro or against that, but it would be worth researching).

    Hope this helps/makes you feel less alone.
    :)
  • DatMurse
    DatMurse Posts: 1,501 Member
    What did your doctor say? I wouldnt mess around with anything herbal. Just let it be, relax. Stress can be a factor that can stop your period.

    take a break from the gym for a few days. let your body relax.
  • GettingMooreInShape
    GettingMooreInShape Posts: 80 Member
    Menstruation has more to do with body fat percentage than body weight. You mention you still work out. Are you overdoing it? Do you still have an extremely low body fat percentage?

    Talk to your doc, especially if you're trying to start a family.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    it happens,,,
  • priscillaes87
    priscillaes87 Posts: 230
    @DatMurse- My doctor say just to keep monitoring my levels… it just seems so passive to me.

    @gettingmoore- I definitely hear you on that, thats why Im stopping the gym sessions. I think a lot of the weight I put on was muscle and my body fat percentage might still be too low. I'm thinking by not working out as much the foods I eat (I eat very healthy with plenty of avocado and nuts daily) will nourish my body rather than fuel my workouts….

    Thanks for the great insight everyone!! please keep it coming, I've never wanted my period so bad in my life!! lol
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member

    This is a very sensitive subject for me cause my husband and I are trying to start a family and I feel like Ive compromised my body too severely :(

    I hope you can find the right answer keep your doctor informed.

    Are you seeing a gynecologist and/or fertility specialist?

    What kind of fats do you eat?
  • astrovivi
    astrovivi Posts: 183 Member
    Could be the contraceptives, could be the former underweight status and stress.
    Could be anything.

    I had anorexia when I was younger (quite severely) and it took some years for my period to come back and seem normal.

    BUT, I wonder if the stress you currently feel is contributing to your situation.

    Given you are trying to start a family and you're obviously quite distressed about this issue, try to back off on working out (if you workout a lot).

    Keep moving and keep fit and healthy but don't set work outs etc as a huge goal.
    Your body and your soul need time to chill and prepare to be fully able to conceive and carry a child.

    Do speak to your doctor.

    he/she may be best placed to help you rather than MFP

    Wishing you all the best!
  • DatMurse
    DatMurse Posts: 1,501 Member
    @DatMurse- My doctor say just to keep monitoring my levels… it just seems so passive to me.

    @gettingmoore- I definitely hear you on that, thats why Im stopping the gym sessions. I think a lot of the weight I put on was muscle and my body fat percentage might still be too low. I'm thinking by not working out as much the foods I eat (I eat very healthy with plenty of avocado and nuts daily) will nourish my body rather than fuel my workouts….

    Thanks for the great insight everyone!! please keep it coming, I've never wanted my period so bad in my life!! lol

    I know its weird considering I am a guy, but I have taken some classes over this. Whether its fertizilation or stress, covered the very basic of it.

    I dont think you need to go on an eating spree. Your weight should be fine, I am sure that you are at a good bf% and your body is functioning normally, especially if he looked at your lab values.

    Patience is still a big key and your body is probably still recovering.


    I would say stop working out for a week.

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/training/overtraining-overreaching-and-all-the-rest-part-1.html

    There is something called Overreaching which is an overload of CNS workload, physical and mental stress build up into this and you can experience fatigue or alterations of normal body functions. This is what people usually think of as "overtraining". The website I am linking is linked for the gym, but it is all linked. You can google overreaching and psychological stress. There is also plenty of reads about elevated cortisol levels and everyone knows about factors that can affect your health.
    Stress(Sleep, worrying, physical, emotional) is associated with many morbidities - broken heart syndrome, psychosis

    Maybe you should go out, clear your mind, don't stress about the baby. Get some drinks, go out to the bar, dinner, spa, yoga, massage, whatever you enjoy doing. and let that stress out.

    I hope you get better
  • atcross
    atcross Posts: 26 Member
    Most of the traditional herbal remedies to bring on menstruation also can induce a miscarriage, so I wouldn't mess around with those. Just because they're plants doesn't mean they're safe!
  • priscillaes87
    priscillaes87 Posts: 230

    This is a very sensitive subject for me cause my husband and I are trying to start a family and I feel like Ive compromised my body too severely :(

    I hope you can find the right answer keep your doctor informed.

    Are you seeing a gynecologist and/or fertility specialist?

    What kind of fats do you eat?

    I'm currently seeing a hormone specialist (however my insurance ran out so I can't afford to go back until my new insurance kicks in (90 days))
    And I'm pretty well versed in nutrition, I eat mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts, very little dairy, whole grains, and little "proteins". Avocados and nuts are my main fat source and are daily
  • soupandcookies
    soupandcookies Posts: 212 Member
    This same thing happened to me, when I was 21. I was slightly underweight, and working out pretty hard, and I lost my period permanently. Now I'm 34 and still don't get a period unless it's medically induced (by birth control or progesterone supplementation). My doctor feels it's important that I get a fairly regular period, so that my lining doesn't build up and become cancerous, so I use birth control. I am a bit older than you, though. When I was in my 20s, my doctor didn't think much of it. Nothing ever showed on my bloodwork, that explained why my cycle wasn't happening. I have 3 children, and needed to be medicated, to conceive all of them. Just sharing my own experience - hopefully your cycle will resume, and it's just taking its time.
  • priscillaes87
    priscillaes87 Posts: 230
    This same thing happened to me, when I was 21. I was slightly underweight, and working out pretty hard, and I lost my period permanently. Now I'm 34 and still don't get a period unless it's medically induced (by birth control or progesterone supplementation). My doctor feels it's important that I get a fairly regular period, so that my lining doesn't build up and become cancerous, so I use birth control. I am a bit older than you, though. When I was in my 20s, my doctor didn't think much of it. Nothing ever showed on my bloodwork, that explained why my cycle wasn't happening. I have 3 children, and needed to be medicated, to conceive all of them. Just sharing my own experience - hopefully your cycle will resume, and it's just taking its time.


    Thank you for sharing, at least I know that even with these issues, children are a possibility still. Iv'e always considered adoption and now with all this, its looking more and more promising

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