I know i’m anorexic, and i saw a doctor about it for the first time last thursday. My illness isn’t severe, i’m not at a dangerous weight, but i do need some help. Anyway…
My doctor found that my BMI was 19, the lowest ‘healthy’ weight. She said she wasn’t concerned about my size yet, but that she wanted to monitor me & i shouldn’t drop any weight.
However, my doctor doesn’t know that:
- I’ve missed 9 periods since i got down to my current weight (49kg, i’m 5ft 2.5).
I missed 2 periods once while i was this weight, but they started again once i got back up-to about 53kg. Basically, i stop menstruating once i reach my current weight.
My periods used to be regular, almost to the day.
- My body has stopped developing; i’m 15, my boobs haven’t grown since i was 10/11 when i first got them. I’ve also lost all the fat from my butt/hips which i’d started to get when i was around 12.
Would my doctor have been concerned about my weight if she had known those things?
I know i should have told her, but i was nervous. I plan to tell her when i see her again, in 2/3 months. Should i tell my nutritionist, who i’m due to see within the next month?
Also, for those who have been through treatment for anorexia, what was involved? Who did you see and what did they talk about?
Thanks very much really appreciated.
Your lack of a period could be because you aren’t eating enough, not necessarily because your weight is too low. However if you begin eating a normal amount and your period does not return, it may be that your body fat percentage is too low. A woman has to have a certain amount fat on her body to even get a period.
Yes! Tell your nutritionist, and she/he might be able to explain to you what to eat to resume your normal menstruation. However you will only get it back if you are committed to actually recovering from your eating disorder.
You really need to talk to your doctor as soon as possible, possibly get some tests done to make sure that everything is ok. Anorexia can cause severe effects, such as organ failure and electrolyte imbalances, even before you are underweight.
It would be an excellent idea to start seeing a therapist. It is possible to recover without going through therapy, but it is extremely difficult. Eating disorders are never just about food and weight, there is always an emotional problem in the background.
The fact that you have no fat around your hips and butt is because your weight is very low. It’s not because you aren’t developed or somehow managed to reverse your development, it’s just because you lost the weight that was there.
Good luck with your recovery, it is possible to get better.