Cite this Response
Alice! Health Promotion. "If I'm recovering from anorexia, when should I expect to get my period back?." Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University, 23 Dec. 2024, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/if-im-recovering-anorexia-when-should-i-expect-get-my-period-back. Accessed 23, Dec. 2024.
Alice! Health Promotion. (2024, December 23). If I'm recovering from anorexia, when should I expect to get my period back?. Go Ask Alice!, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/if-im-recovering-anorexia-when-should-i-expect-get-my-period-back.
Dear Alice,
I was anorexic for three years and I have been in recovery for two. At the moment, I am doing well. I have a healthy weight, I eat a balanced diet, I work out regularly though not excessively, and I feel good. However, I haven't had my period in about three years now. I had been told it would come back once I reached a healthy weight, but so far, no deal, even though I've been at this weight for over a year now.
Before I became anorexic, I did get my period regularly. I am 23 years old. I am taking a calcium supplement daily to prevent osteoporosis, but I would feel more comfortable if I did get my period again. What is going on? How worried should I be? Should I go see a doctor? What can I do about this?
— Cate
Dear Cate,
Thank you for sharing your experience! Your questions are ones that many people who have recovered from—or are in recovery for—anorexia are likely to have. Anorexia may contribute to the development of secondary amenorrhea, a condition primarily characterized by loss of your period for more than three months after previously having a regular period. Some people may start their period again once they gain weight. However, others may require a higher body fat percentage and a more specific diet. Getting your period back can take anywhere from six months to several years and isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Continue reading to learn more about how anorexia can lead to period loss and what may contribute to getting it back.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Sometimes referred to as simply anorexia, anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that’s characterized by:
- extreme dietary restriction or self-starvation,
- heightened concern over body appearance and weight,
- lack of concern regarding insufficient nutrient intake, and
- fear of gaining weight
People with anorexia will often experience weight loss, hormonal changes, and insufficient nutritional intake. While weight loss tends to be the most common characteristic associated with anorexia, people with this disorder can have varied weights and body fat percentages. For this reason, diagnosis is based on behavior rather than appearance.
It’s crucial to note that the behaviors associated with anorexia are not choices, rather, they’re the product of disordered thinking that alters the way a person views themself.
What is secondary amenorrhea?
'Secondary amenorrhea' describes a condition where someone who has previously had a regular period doesn’t experience one for more than three months. This condition has many potential causes, including:
- Hormonal birth control pills and devices
- Certain medications
- Medical conditions such as primary ovarian insufficiency, pituitary disorders, hypothalamic amenorrhea, disorders related to hormone imbalances, ovarian tumors, chronic illness, and obesity
- Stress
- Prior uterine surgery
- Substantial weight loss or gain
- Malnutrition
- Intense exercise routines
List adapted from Cleveland Clinic
How does anorexia impact your menstrual cycle?
Disordered eating behaviors such as under-eating and over-exercising can lead to insufficient nutrient intake and weight loss. Anorexia may also contribute to hormonal changes, and related conditions, that could result in period loss. Anorexia can change a person’s menstrual cycle while they have the disorder, and these changes may persist after recovery.
How long does it take for your period to come back after recovery?
While some people will regain their period after recovery, this isn’t the case for everyone. For those who do get their period again, the time it takes to return and the conditions necessary for it to return can vary from person to person. In fact, it can take anywhere from six months to several years for your period to return. For this reason, regaining your period isn’t the only indicator of recovery from anorexia.
While wait gain is a crucial factor for regaining your period, exactly how much weight gain is necessary is a question that’s still being researched. All bodies are different so some people may require more weight gain, a higher body-fat percentage, and higher calorie and protein consumption.
Similarly, “healthy weight” means something different for everyone, and what’s considered “healthy” can change throughout a person’s life. When navigating how to address these different factors, it’s recommended that you reach out to a dietician or other health care professional. They may provide you with more information about your diet and a clearer understanding of why you haven’t gotten your period back.
Wishing you all the best,