Amenorrhea - Please help!

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*Disclaimer: I know this is not a proper place to seek medical advice, so please don't tell me to see a doctor...I've seen a bunch of them already and nothing worked.*

I'm a 23 year old female, I started my journey on October 2012. I'm 5'0" and my starting weight was 174 lbs which categorized me as obese. I have been obese my entire life but a regular, however when I lost 22 lbs in 4 months my period stopped. I wasn't logging consistently back then so I'm not really sure about my intake, but I'm guessing it was around 1200-1300 calories while doing DVDs like the 30 day shred, ripped in 30, walking..etc.
I went to an Ob/Gyn when I was 3+ months late and she said the ultrasound was clear, no cysts or anything. Then she ordered a progesterone challenge and some tests. After I took the shot, I got a period then she saw the results and told me that I don't have PCOS. She put me on hormone replacement therapy without even explaining what's wrong with my body, she also didn't think it was related to weight loss. I took it for one month and just couldn't tolerate it; I was depressed and I felt like crap all the time. I let things be and assured myself that if I let my body get used to the *new* active lifestyle and don't stress out about it it will come back, but it didn't. During that period my weight loss was very slow (even though I started running and was fitter in general), partly because I upped my intake to 1400-1500 and mainly (I'm sure) because my hormones are all over the place. I recently went to another Ob/Gyn and he tried to convince me that I have PCOS because he *thinks* he can see tiny cysts in the ultrasound, so he jumped to a diagnosis without even running any hormone tests. He even suggested I gain 10 lbs which was unbelievable since I'm 139 lbs now and overweight according to my BMI AND body fat%, not to mention that all the articles I read on PCOS suggest losing weight to relieve symptoms. I live in Africa, and all the doctors here want to either pump me with meds or make me gain weight to get my cycle back because they don't know any better. I stopped losing weight completely so I thought what the heck I should take a break and maintain for now anyway. Thing is I'm very distressed and I don't know what to do...it's been 2 months since I upped my cals again for maintenance and still no period. If anybody has ideas/similar experiences please share because I could really use some help. Thank you.
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Replies

  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
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    This is totally not meant to be tongue in cheek, but your distressed state can exacerbate it. It could be a vicious cycle--you're stressed because of no period which can make it worse.

    You didn't mention any pain. Which is a good sign! :)

    I know you don't want to hear this, but you really do need to find another, better doctor. Your condition sounds medical, and not just related to your change in diet. Try advocating for yourself and making sure you get copies of your test results--you can compare them with credible medical standards on the internet. I would advise you to not ever let anyone tell you your levels are "normal." Doctors can be uninformed, especially when it comes to women's health care.

    I truly wish you the best in feeling good again!
  • EmmiDahling
    EmmiDahling Posts: 104 Member
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    I have amenorrhea. Warning, TMI to follow.



    I did not have my first period until 16, and then it it was accompanied by crippling pain, huge clots, and heavy flow (super plus tampon and pad didn't last 2 hours). I didn't know enough to know that this wasn't normal, so my mom didn't know how bad it was. I passed out at school and was rushed to the hospital. It turned out that my body doesn't produce the hormone needed to ovulate (not at all related to weight) and so I don't have a period until the lining builds up enough that it sloughs off in large chunks which irritates the lining of my uterus, which in turn begins to bleed. That first period almost killed me from blood loss. The result is that I will be on birth control pills until menopause. I have been to several obgyns and they have all recommended that I continue to take the birth control. I've tried to come off it twice in the past 10 years, but the result is always that I have no period for a year or two and then need radical intervention. I saw a fertility specialist A few years ago and was able to ovulate after several cycles of hormones, but for long term management, the birth control is the most expedient method with the fewest side effects. On the pill my period is only a day or so (if that) and I don't have to worry about when the bleeding will start. The pill I've had the best success with is loesterine, it's a low dose, jut enough to keep my system in check.

    I agree with Psycgrrl, you need a new doctor.

    I hope this information helps!
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
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    I'm sorry, I can't help much. How much are you exercising, though? There is exercise induced amenorrhea, though I don't know if it can occur in the overweight. But I've read that there is evidence that it's not related to low body fat now.
  • hiddenorchestra
    hiddenorchestra Posts: 14 Member
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    This is totally not meant to be tongue in cheek, but your distressed state can exacerbate it. It could be a vicious cycle--you're stressed because of no period which can make it worse.

    You didn't mention any pain. Which is a good sign! :)

    I know you don't want to hear this, but you really do need to find another, better doctor. Your condition sounds medical, and not just related to your change in diet. Try advocating for yourself and making sure you get copies of your test results--you can compare them with credible medical standards on the internet. I would advise you to not ever let anyone tell you your levels are "normal." Doctors can be uninformed, especially when it comes to women's health care.

    I truly wish you the best in feeling good again!

    You're totally right it's such a vicious cycle. Thanks for your advice and sincere wishes :flowerforyou:
    I have amenorrhea. Warning, TMI to follow.



    I did not have my first period until 16, and then it it was accompanied by crippling pain, huge clots, and heavy flow (super plus tampon and pad didn't last 2 hours). I didn't know enough to know that this wasn't normal, so my mom didn't know how bad it was. I passed out at school and was rushed to the hospital. It turned out that my body doesn't produce the hormone needed to ovulate (not at all related to weight) and so I don't have a period until the lining builds up enough that it sloughs off in large chunks which irritates the lining of my uterus, which in turn begins to bleed. That first period almost killed me from blood loss. The result is that I will be on birth control pills until menopause. I have been to several obgyns and they have all recommended that I continue to take the birth control. I've tried to come off it twice in the past 10 years, but the result is always that I have no period for a year or two and then need radical intervention. I saw a fertility specialist A few years ago and was able to ovulate after several cycles of hormones, but for long term management, the birth control is the most expedient method with the fewest side effects. On the pill my period is only a day or so (if that) and I don't have to worry about when the bleeding will start. The pill I've had the best success with is loesterine, it's a low dose, jut enough to keep my system in check.

    I agree with Psycgrrl, you need a new doctor.

    I hope this information helps!

    I'm so sorry for your troubles and wish you the best of luck managing it. Thank you for sharing, everything was duly noted. :)
  • hiddenorchestra
    hiddenorchestra Posts: 14 Member
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    I'm sorry, I can't help much. How much are you exercising, though? There is exercise induced amenorrhea, though I don't know if it can occur in the overweight. But I've read that there is evidence that it's not related to low body fat now.

    I am lightly active --nothing extreme. I read that it has to do with energy availability, which would make sense since I was definitely (and unknowingly) eating below my BMR when I first started, not to mention exercise expenditure.
  • LosingExtraKristy
    LosingExtraKristy Posts: 164 Member
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    I have amenorrhea. Warning, TMI to follow.



    I did not have my first period until 16, and then it it was accompanied by crippling pain, huge clots, and heavy flow (super plus tampon and pad didn't last 2 hours). I didn't know enough to know that this wasn't normal, so my mom didn't know how bad it was. I passed out at school and was rushed to the hospital. It turned out that my body doesn't produce the hormone needed to ovulate (not at all related to weight) and so I don't have a period until the lining builds up enough that it sloughs off in large chunks which irritates the lining of my uterus, which in turn begins to bleed. That first period almost killed me from blood loss. The result is that I will be on birth control pills until menopause. I have been to several obgyns and they have all recommended that I continue to take the birth control. I've tried to come off it twice in the past 10 years, but the result is always that I have no period for a year or two and then need radical intervention. I saw a fertility specialist A few years ago and was able to ovulate after several cycles of hormones, but for long term management, the birth control is the most expedient method with the fewest side effects. On the pill my period is only a day or so (if that) and I don't have to worry about when the bleeding will start. The pill I've had the best success with is loesterine, it's a low dose, jut enough to keep my system in check.

    I agree with Psycgrrl, you need a new doctor.

    I hope this information helps!

    That sounds similar to what I had. After having children, I ended up with adenomyosis. They think it may have been caused by the c-section with my 2nd. I ended up having a hysterectomy once we decided not to have any more kids. Otherwise BC would have been the only option to try to control it. Best of luck!
  • kenzietate
    kenzietate Posts: 399 Member
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    I'm sorry, I can't help much. How much are you exercising, though? There is exercise induced amenorrhea, though I don't know if it can occur in the overweight. But I've read that there is evidence that it's not related to low body fat now.

    I am lightly active --nothing extreme. I read that it has to do with energy availability, which would make sense since I was definitely (and unknowingly) eating below my BMR when I first started, not to mention exercise expenditure.

    I was told for years that I had exercise induce amenorrhea and it turned out to be PCOS. PCOS is a syndrome (meaning each persons symptoms can be different) so it is possible to have without having cysts. I didn't have cysts when I was first diagnosed and it took them 5.5 years to figure out what was wrong with me.

    But either way, you need a new doctor. Try looking for an endocrinologist instead of an OB or Gyno. Regardless of what is going on, something with your hormones is out of whack and endocrinologists are the best prepared to find out what it is!

    I hope you can get it figured out!
  • hiddenorchestra
    hiddenorchestra Posts: 14 Member
    Options
    I'm sorry, I can't help much. How much are you exercising, though? There is exercise induced amenorrhea, though I don't know if it can occur in the overweight. But I've read that there is evidence that it's not related to low body fat now.

    I am lightly active --nothing extreme. I read that it has to do with energy availability, which would make sense since I was definitely (and unknowingly) eating below my BMR when I first started, not to mention exercise expenditure.

    I was told for years that I had exercise induce amenorrhea and it turned out to be PCOS. PCOS is a syndrome (meaning each persons symptoms can be different) so it is possible to have without having cysts. I didn't have cysts when I was first diagnosed and it took them 5.5 years to figure out what was wrong with me.

    But either way, you need a new doctor. Try looking for an endocrinologist instead of an OB or Gyno. Regardless of what is going on, something with your hormones is out of whack and endocrinologists are the best prepared to find out what it is!

    I hope you can get it figured out!

    Noted! I have a question though, were your periods regular before your amenorrhea? I can't wrap my mind around the fact that this happened to me after I started exercising and losing weight, since PCOS works the other way around as far as I know.

    Thanks for the input!
  • HappyStack
    HappyStack Posts: 802 Member
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    I have PCOS, and I used to have extremely irregular periods. I've lost weight, upped my calorie intake, and taken on strength training and it's made the world of difference to all symptoms. I'm completely "regular" now, and I don't take any medications now, and never have.

    Give your body time to adjust to a greater amount of calories and a higher level of activity. Resetting your hormonal balance won't happen overnight. Give it a few months and see how you go.

    As someone already said, you may or may not have cysts... it's not a required symptom of PCOS.
  • hiddenorchestra
    hiddenorchestra Posts: 14 Member
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    I have PCOS, and I used to have extremely irregular periods. I've lost weight, upped my calorie intake, and taken on strength training and it's made the world of difference to all symptoms. I'm completely "regular" now, and I don't take any medications now, and never have.

    Give your body time to adjust to a greater amount of calories and a higher level of activity. Resetting your hormonal balance won't happen overnight. Give it a few months and see how you go.

    As someone already said, you may or may not have cysts... it's not a required symptom of PCOS.

    Thank you! That's so reassuring.
    I'm happy for you :)
  • chatogal
    chatogal Posts: 436 Member
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    I'm sorry, I can't help much. How much are you exercising, though? There is exercise induced amenorrhea, though I don't know if it can occur in the overweight. But I've read that there is evidence that it's not related to low body fat now.

    I am lightly active --nothing extreme. I read that it has to do with energy availability, which would make sense since I was definitely (and unknowingly) eating below my BMR when I first started, not to mention exercise expenditure.

    I was told for years that I had exercise induce amenorrhea and it turned out to be PCOS. PCOS is a syndrome (meaning each persons symptoms can be different) so it is possible to have without having cysts. I didn't have cysts when I was first diagnosed and it took them 5.5 years to figure out what was wrong with me.

    But either way, you need a new doctor. Try looking for an endocrinologist instead of an OB or Gyno. Regardless of what is going on, something with your hormones is out of whack and endocrinologists are the best prepared to find out what it is!

    I hope you can get it figured out!

    Noted! I have a question though, were your periods regular before your amenorrhea? I can't wrap my mind around the fact that this happened to me after I started exercising and losing weight, since PCOS works the other way around as far as I know.

    Thanks for the input!

    it can take time for the cysts that stop you ovulating to build up. Therefore a young girl at menses may have "normal" periods to start off with and then they become increasingly irregular.

    I agree, you need a new dr.... and imo, I think it unlikely that your weightloss or exercise regime is anything to do with your lack of periods.
  • gigglesinthesun
    gigglesinthesun Posts: 860 Member
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    clearly I am not a medical professional, but I can't help wondering whether the loss of your period has in fact nothing to do with you reducing your calories to lose weight (or exercising for that matter). Sometimes these things really are coincidental, I mean by all means check out different doctors and look at causes. How are you feeling otherwise? Are there any other life changes that you have made in the 12 months prior to this happening?

    Good luck :-)
  • FlabFighter86
    FlabFighter86 Posts: 233 Member
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    You would have to get blood tests to check out your hormones levels. That's generally the first thing that's checked out, in the UK anyway. I have amenhorrea. I didn't get my first period until I was 19, only because I was finally put on the combined pill. The cause was too much prolactin - inhibiting the other hormones. I've had my brain checked out, I've had my ovaries checked out. Nothing major in either that would cause the high levels. Just one of these things.
  • kenzietate
    kenzietate Posts: 399 Member
    Options
    I'm sorry, I can't help much. How much are you exercising, though? There is exercise induced amenorrhea, though I don't know if it can occur in the overweight. But I've read that there is evidence that it's not related to low body fat now.

    I am lightly active --nothing extreme. I read that it has to do with energy availability, which would make sense since I was definitely (and unknowingly) eating below my BMR when I first started, not to mention exercise expenditure.

    I was told for years that I had exercise induce amenorrhea and it turned out to be PCOS. PCOS is a syndrome (meaning each persons symptoms can be different) so it is possible to have without having cysts. I didn't have cysts when I was first diagnosed and it took them 5.5 years to figure out what was wrong with me.

    But either way, you need a new doctor. Try looking for an endocrinologist instead of an OB or Gyno. Regardless of what is going on, something with your hormones is out of whack and endocrinologists are the best prepared to find out what it is!

    I hope you can get it figured out!

    Noted! I have a question though, were your periods regular before your amenorrhea? I can't wrap my mind around the fact that this happened to me after I started exercising and losing weight, since PCOS works the other way around as far as I know.

    Thanks for the input!

    I was never regular but that was the time of my life that I was the most active. My doctor at the time said that being that active at that age could cause me to be irregular from the beginning. I was definitely never regular. But some women do have it the other way around because symptoms can change. I'm not saying that is what you have at all but more saying to push your doctors to figure out what is actually wrong because I highly doubt that it is related to exercise.
  • cebreisch
    cebreisch Posts: 1,340 Member
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    Wish I knew what to tell you. I do have PCO, which is a hormone imbalance. But you can have a hormone imbalance without having PCO.

    I have an OB/GYN, a reproductive surgeon, and an endocrinologist. They have different specialties, and things will occur to them independently of each other. But we confer with each other to make sure everything is okay, and everybody's on board with whatever medication's I'm taking, etc.. I know you don't want to be told to go see a doctor, but just thought the type of doctor you see could be just as important to figuring out what's going on.

    Just for further explanation....several years ago, I was having BIG issues trying to lose weight. I decided that the next doctor visit I went to, I was going to ask the doctor about it. It happened to be my OB/GYN. He was the one who was able to diagnose (through a process, of course) that it was PCOS. If I had presented the same information to my general practitioner, it may not have been caught. Just like with the OB/GYN, reproductive surgeon, and endocrinologist, they all look at things from a different perspective.
  • alechua
    alechua Posts: 224 Member
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    I started my weight loss journey end of May 2013. My period stopped August-October 2013. I gained back my period November without pills, I increased my calorie intake and focus on adding healthy fats to my diet(as advice by MFP peeps). I ate cashew nuts, soya milk, I decreased the frequency of doing HIIT workouts. I had spotting last december 2013, no heavy period. Then this January I had my regular period again. its crazy but I know my body is somewhat adjusting already. I'm afraid to take pills because I heard it will result to weight gain.
  • geekyjock76
    geekyjock76 Posts: 2,720 Member
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    Up your calories to actual maintenance for several months. Your energy availability was likely below the threshold for some time which to disruption.
  • nfgchick79
    nfgchick79 Posts: 89 Member
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    I would suggest seeing a reproductive endocrinologist (RE)instead of an ob/gyn. They are far better equipped to deal with issues like this. I have multiple fertility issues and seeing an RE was a godsend. My gyn had no clue! Best of luck to you.
  • nurselucyp83
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    Hiya,
    I def agree with others and go see a different doctor.
    With my experience I have to be a certain weight before I get periods. At BMI 22 I get periods but at BMI 20 I don't. Not much help but I understand your frustrations. Amenorrhea sucks x
  • karlijade1
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    Hi everyone,
    I just had a question for anyone who would like to answer. I recently lost 10 pounds and was at my goal weight of 110 pounds at 5'1 but my period stopped at about 120 before I lost a lot of weight. I embarked on a pretty rigid diet of 1,000 calories a day so I was wondering if my period stopping was due to my diet or being underweight because by no means am I underweight