Lost period

kellah96
kellah96 Posts: 3
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey guys!

I'm a healthy 20 year old who weighs in around 96 pounds at 5'0. Right now, I eat a pretty vegan diet with most of my calories come from fruit, carbs like rice, and nuts. I eat other foods too, just prefer this cleaner diet. I have lost weight very gradually in the last year, as I used to be around 115 (with consumption of lots of alcohol and pizza). Since I've cut out many unhealthy foods and limited my alcohol, I lost the weight but also lost my period. It's been gone for about 5 months now. I eat around 1700 healthy calories per day and really like my body the way it is but the amenorrhea concerns me. Do I need to try to gain weight in order to get it back, or is it still healthy? I have lots of energy and would rather not actively try to gain weight.

Anything helps!

-Kelsey

Replies

  • Lobster1987
    Lobster1987 Posts: 492 Member
    I'd talk to your doctor....At that point, it's a medical concern.
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    Obviously, it could be your weight and lack of nutrients. It could also be pregnancy or any number of other things.

    You should see your doctor and follow his/ her advice.
  • kaseyr1505
    kaseyr1505 Posts: 624 Member
    Talk to a qualified medical professional.
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    I agree, talk to your doctor. It could be cause by weight loss, but there are also a lot of other possible causes.
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    I think you're pregnant
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    Amenorrhea is a serious issue. Your body is basically telling you that you're too unhealthy to carry a child. You probably already know that since you know the word itself but it's worth pointing out. There are other symptoms to it besides the loss of your period. Are you experiencing them, as well? If yes, you should seriously consider upping your calorie intake and ensuring that you are getting all the essential vitamins and minerals every day, even if that means taking supplements. A visit to your health professional is probably in order since it's been going on so long.
  • tquill
    tquill Posts: 300 Member
    Your_Eggo_Is_Preggo-q8ww4t-d.jpg
  • rosebette
    rosebette Posts: 1,660 Member
    At 96 lb., your BMI is at the very low end of normal weight, 18.7. If you don't have a lot of body fat, it is possible that you could lose your period. I'd check with your doctor.
  • MississippiMama87
    MississippiMama87 Posts: 204 Member
    Are you sexually active? If so, pick up a pregnancy test. If not, go to the doctor asap. Either way a trip to your doctor wouldn't be a bad idea.
  • kellah96
    kellah96 Posts: 3
    Thanks everyone! I know I'm not pregnant (that's what I thought at first too) and besides the loss of period I've had no other symptoms.
  • healthyfoxx
    healthyfoxx Posts: 104 Member
    You may not need to gain weight, but you are probably lacking in some nutrient(s). Do you take a multivitamin? Getting enough fats and the right kinds are important, too. Vegan omega pills are a big plus.

    Still see a nutritionist and/or doctor, but these are some basic things to keep in mind.
  • kellah96
    kellah96 Posts: 3
    Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for. I know I'm eating more than enough calories and after reading some of the responses, just ate half a jar of almond butter to up it even more. The thing is, I'd rather not force myself to gain weight when really I'm just deficient in some nutrients. I haven't been taking a multivitamin (and will start now), though I eat tons of fruits (TONS) as well as a good amount of Kale, Broccoli, Spinach and other vegetables. I also just started adding hemp protein powder to virtually everything. Do you know what nutrients or supplements are important for regaining a menstrual cycle?
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Your_Eggo_Is_Preggo-q8ww4t-d.jpg
    Wonder whats stuffed in here?
  • rosebette
    rosebette Posts: 1,660 Member
    Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for. I know I'm eating more than enough calories and after reading some of the responses, just ate half a jar of almond butter to up it even more. The thing is, I'd rather not force myself to gain weight when really I'm just deficient in some nutrients. I haven't been taking a multivitamin (and will start now), though I eat tons of fruits (TONS) as well as a good amount of Kale, Broccoli, Spinach and other vegetables. I also just started adding hemp protein powder to virtually everything. Do you know what nutrients or supplements are important for regaining a menstrual cycle?

    If you're vegetarian, you're probably most deficient in protein, iron, and B-vitamins. My sister's a vegetarian and was advised to take a B-vitamin complex.
  • daydreams_of_pretty
    daydreams_of_pretty Posts: 506 Member
    You're protein is probably fine. B12 is for sure something you need to supplement. (I used to be a Vegan.)

    Anyway, apparently some raw Vegans lose their periods. Maybe you should check into that and talk to your doctor about it. I hope you get it all worked out. :smile:

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