[Manx23]

I am new to this forum but I really needed some advice/ guidance about my menstruation cycle.

Im 18 and was overweight. I hated my body image and Im not going to lie- STILL DO. (Yes I've got a distorted body image thing) I decided to make a change throughout the summer of '10, and for up to 6 months, I ended up losing roughly 45lbs. My period always came on time before; no problems there; however, its been a little more then a month now, maybe two that I HAVENT gotten my period. I've had the signs (cramps, cravings) although no period...? Have I really destroyed my organs, or...? I heard excessive workouts maybe the cause of it; but I think deep down, is more then that.
Anything would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks

[Ashlee T.]

Hi. Glad you stopped by. First, how tall are you and how much do you currently weigh? Also, do you take hormonal birth control? How often and to what level do you exercise?

If you are underweight, and your body fat is too low it can most certainly affect your menstrual cycles. If you are overweight, and your body fat is too high it can also affect your cycles.

If you are taking hormonal bc, there are some of them that will cause you to not have a period.

More info please.

[spiritgrl]

Weight loss can change your menstral cycle---from one start date to another. Ex. If you start on the 28th day of every month and have been exercising and losing weight it can affect your hormonal levels (it's nothing to worry about -hormonal levels fluctate all the time) it can cause you start time to be pushed back a week, againing weight can also cause this. It is still normal for women to even have menstral cycles start every 45 days, or every 21 days.

Body fat percentage also has alot to do with it too. Look up causes for Amennorrhea-- (lack of menstration) if you are close to 20% body fat now or 18-15% most definitely yes you will likely have your menstral cycle stop. Also not having enough healthy fats in your diet can also cause this condition.

But also check in with you doctor to rule out any other conditions.

[Manx23]

Sorry for the late reply!
I am 5'8'', and weigh 143lbs. (Thats what my scale says...its probably wrong...yay). I am not on any birth control pills, or taking any medications. Although, if I do not get my period, Ive read that I will indeed need Birth Control pills; which I have heard cons about.

[Manx23]

Thanks Spiritgirl.
I also heard that low body fat % has a role in it. I am eating all the right foods (watery fruits, whole wheat breads, proteins, and taking V-supplememnts...) but no, flow!!!!
Amennorreah? Ill check it out.

[OregonGirl]

It sounds like you are a GREAT and FIT weight to be! I have to ask, are you sexually active?

45 pounds in 6 months seems like a good pace to lose weight at, it's not stressfully fast.

Stress is another reason your period could be missed or late. It could be medications you've taken or if you do any drugs. There are several things you need to rule out and I'd say if there's no signs of aunt flow within the week to make an appointment with your Gyno.

[WildChild]

Get some fresh ginger root from the produce section at the grocery. Take about an inch long piece and make yourself a nice hot cup of ginger tea. Let it steep, covered, for 10 mins and then relax and enjoy it. You can add some regular tea too if you want. If your period is anywhere near to starting this will get it going - maybe before you've finished the cup.

[Manx23]

OregonGirl: lol No Im not sexually active. Im scared to have a bf...I have this idea in my head that I wouldnt be good enough anyways. I heard its a great way to lose weight, too. I have made an appt. with my family phys, and Ive done blood work, testing my LDL levels, etc. etc. Its hard to lose weight; yet alone maintain the weight I am at now. When depression hits, it hits hard, and I know for a fact I bloat even more, and when it happens, I will eat half a loaf of bread. =( Having an obnoxious, loud, stubborn, grouchy Greek Muther doesnt help either, so when she see's me serving myself actual norm size portions of food; she freaks out and does the stupid guilt talk. Or, "You eat like a pigeon, have a cadburry easter egg, its good for you...no man wants a girl who cant be fertile...." Me:"Uhm...thanks I feel so much better about myself." I am in college and I just started in Jan so, that could possibly be a reason, as well.

WildChild: Ginger root? I've never heard of that idea before. If thats the case, then thanks and I shall try it out. =) Thanks for the replies, really appreciate them all =)