I am on a diet and not getting regular monthly period. What to do?

Question

Hello doctor,

Over the last several months, I have been dieting to lose weight that I gained last summer. Though my weight has fluctuated over the months, I have lost approximately 10 lbs. I am also an athlete, and thus I exercise daily. After the first two months of dieting, I noticed that I did not have my monthly period. It is not unusual for me, as my menstrual cycle has never been regular since I started at age 15. I am worried primarily about the health of my bones, but I do not want to stop dieting or gain weight. Also, I cannot decrease my exercise since it is a part of my schooling. I am also worried about going on birth control because of the numerous side effects associated with it such as breast enlargement and weight gain. Moreover, I feel as though this would only further interrupt my menstrual cycle. I feel that there must be some other treatment I can undergo to either stimulate or approximate my menstrual cycle more naturally. Thank you for your advice.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are very underweight, and that is why your menstrual cycles are not occurring usually. My advice would be to stop dieting. Follow a regular healthy diet and exercise in moderation. You are nearly anorexic, and that will wreak havoc with your bones and hormones. Just having periods does not mean your bones are healthy. Diet has a lot to do with it. I suggest you contact a good dietician who can prescribe a proper healthy diet for you. Improper diet can have long-term side effects on your overall health.