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.
Yes, your doctor would be concerned if she knew those things. It’s okay–you don’t have to be nervous. Trust me; doctors hear a lot of really strange things people do that are unhealthy habits. She isn’t there to judge you, she is there to help you.
Yes, telling your nutritionist is a great idea.
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4th year pharmacy student
Well, I lost about 20 pounds over the course of a year. I went from 140 to about 120, maybe 115 depending on the day
When I did this, I lost my period. I would reccommend tellign the doctor and nutrtionist because the nutritionist can place you on a diet to make you get it back! Good luck! Great job getting help!
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Tell her. Your weight is fine. I’m your height and about 3kgs less.
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i think 2 to 3 months is too long too wait. you should definitely call your doctor to set up another appointment. it could possibly be that if they knew some of that stuff it would change their opinion on how severe your case is. and dont be nervous, they arent there to judge you.. they want to help you. so good luck and hope you get better
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You should tell your Doctor everything that is wrong with you. But you at least took a major step to get help & hopefully soon to make a good recovery. I wish you the best.
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It sounds like you already know what to do. All these signs are unhealthy and you know this, which is why you’re asking about them. If you really want to get better, and healthy again, you obviously need to share your concerns with your doctor. Anorexia can occur for a number of different reasons, but usually it is to do with issues of insecurity and low self-esteem. If your weight drops to a point that gives cause for concern, ‘treatment‘ usually consists of monitoring food intake and weight in a controlled environment – you really don’t want to let it get to that stage. At the point you appear to be now, the best treatment is counselling/therapy to deal with the underlying issues. Anorexics are their own worst enemy because the disorder makes you very cunning and very deceptive, and if you don’t want to put on weight (or if you want to lose it) you will do everything you can to achieve this. Get well! Be honest, try your best, and if you’re really serious about recovering, tell your doctor exactly what the score is. Wishing you the best.
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Family member with a.n.
I say when you see a doctor tell them anything wrong physically and them sort it out.
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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.
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