Excessive weight loss question

Falx

I have a friend who, due to depression, dropped down to anorexic levels in her body weight for around a year. Due to this her period first became erratic, before stopping altogether four months ago.

In the country she lives in, mental health care for anorexia is practically non-existent so I've been farming information from English resources, rewording them into more basic and easy to understand English and helping her that way. It's been a massive struggle, but she's gained some and is now only a few kg's below her ideal weight for her height.

However, her period has yet to come back. If anyone has any idea on how long she would need to expect it to return (if it does) or can point me in the direction of a resource where I can find out this information myself, I would be grateful.

Julius

It can take a really long time and the weight might not be the only factor here. Depression and stress can also play a role and it can take a while even if they don't.

It can take several months sometimes. Also, there is a chance problems with menstruation remain despite maintaining a healthy weight.

She should really see a doctor, a gp or gynaecologist can still monitor her and treat her symptoms and help regardless of anorexia. A lot of women have these same problems without it being full anorexia nervosa.

Disco11

I'm a dude but lost 160lbs inside of 18 months and I can tell you my bloodwork was all over the place. Losing weight that quickly is hard for your body to adjust. I have been fairly stable for a few years yet I still have problems with temperature changes. It's like my body can't adapt even compared to others my size. I can only imagibe this is much worse for a woman with her menstrual cycle.

nexuscrawler

That kind of weight loss needs to be maintained by a doctor. Depression aside that level of weight loss could be a symptom of a host of other issues that need to be ruled out.

tapeslinger

amenorrhea (missing pd) is pretty common with extreme weight change issues; this is often temporary but can be a symptom of other issues, so yeah, a doctor is the best resource, even if treating anorexia specifically is not easy through the medical system. tbh missing period is probably enough reason to see a doctor.

mts

she really should see a reproductive endocrinologist,

Falx

She's been to see multiple GP's Gyno's and even had a MRI. But Japan is not known for it's amazing health care if you've got anything more complex than a cold or flu, especially mental health care. So if someone can point me to an online resource for women's reproductive health... just telling me the name would be fine I can email and follow up and do the research myself. I just don't know where to start. Thanks for the suggestions for specialists and telling me the time scale which could be involved.

It's only been about a month now so if I can reassure that she simply needs time it would help take some stress off of her.

tapeslinger

One month? Ah, that's nothing. At that age it could be anything, stress is a common cause.

You've got plenty of search term information already here, but I think a single missed period (assuming it's not pregnancy) is not alarming with massive weight fluctuation and high emotional stress.

Falx

Oh sorry I worded that badly, she's missed four months of her period. I meant she's only been close to her goal weight for a month.

And four months ago her period had started coming only every two months. I'm almost certain it's stress related, I've never met someone who worries as much as she does and can still, barely, function.

Alright, I'm going to leave this open for a while but I think I agree, I've got enough information to start hunting down resources. Thanks peeps.

Falx

I am ecstatic to report my very good friend has gleefully told me she is bleeding from the hoo ha. So with that bloody good news I'd like to request a lock.

AngelHedgie

Falx wrote: »

I am ecstatic to report my very good friend has gleefully told me she is bleeding from the hoo ha. So with that bloody good news I'd like to request a lock.

I think that's the first time I've seen that reaction sans a pregnancy scare. Good to hear your friend is doing better.