Underweight and no periods

there's really no way to tell, it depends on your body

if you knew what your natural weight was that might be some indication of where you'll need to get to but if you haven't had a period in 5 years then you probably don't know that

but some people get their periods back at stupidly low BMIs (e.g. 14) while others don't get it til they pass, for example, 22

good luck with your recovery

Oh I am sorry to hear that. What has your doctor said about this?

Hey, anonymous here just so people that know me don't know its me wrtiting, but my girlfriend used to suffer from anorexia (used to is the key there) and she used to say how she basically never had a period and how upset it made her feel as she didn't 'feel like a woman' however, she used this as a key to eventually make herself better and slowly but surely she started to get a period (granted it was very inconsistent and can vary in terms of heaviness) but to answer your question, there is a chance you could start seeing your periods again if health levels improve, it won't happen overnight, over a week and may not even happen for months, but just keep at it! the things my girlfriend has told me about the illness I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Hi there anonymous I had been through such days and I admit its hard. As I was loosing weight, I was also loosing hope. My bmi was already the same as yours. What really help me is a nutritionist of course and a psychologist and relevant treatment. You have to be strong and about the periods no worries. Later when things will get better you will cure them with your gynecologist.

Thank you, as you say I have no idea what my natural BMI might be. I also worry that after 5 years of no periods, they may never come back no matter how much I gain.


I haven't been to the doctor.



Thanks so much! I'm glad that your girlfriend is recovered now. Do you know at what sort of weight/bmi her period first came back?



Thank you. I've been down the treatment route before and they managed to get me up to a bmi of 17 but I never got my period back and once they discharged me, I relapsed. I didn't find either the dietitian or psychologists helpful so this time I'm recovering without professional help.

Can I ask whether you got your period back and at what sort of bmi/weight it returned? I am concerned that after 5 years of no periods, I may never get them back no matter how much I may gain.

I would really recommend at least pulling your doctor in on this. Your BMI is extremely low and you are at risk of complications while gaining weight. I know you may be worried about hospitalisation etc but if you can demonstrate that you're making progress your doctor might allow you to carry on at home. But either way you need to be monitored to make sure you're not in too much physical danger. Personally I think a psychologist could do you a lot of good as well, just because it didn't work last time doesn't mean it won't work this time, these things don't help until you're really 100% committed to recovering but there will be some rough patches and support could be helpful there. Plus you will be in a different service as an adult.