I have not had a menstrual cycle for around ~1.5 years due to over-exercise, restrictive eating & stress. I decided to start going 'all in' and do everything I am able to in order to get my periods back. I am 20 years of age. I cut off all exercise for a week (usually go 5 times a week), and am thinking of starting some yoga to calm myself/reduce stress. I have also increased my calories ALOT. Like probably eating 3 times the amount I did before. I don't count calories but my appetite increased like crazy from Day 1 after trying to get my period back.
I had 5 servings of cereal today because I craved the carbohydrates. Is this 'extreme hunger' normal? I have watched your extreme hunger video and realised this is a normal part of recovery. However, I have already gained around 2-3kg in a week from eating SO much? Do you think some of this may be water retention? My family and friends have said I look a lot more 'alive' now, that I do not look so gaunt and look much healthier and my complexion better.
I should also note I am 48kg in weight, have a low body fat percentage (have no measured but definitely under 20%) & am 1.62cm in height. I am taking maca powder, some iron tablets, omega 3 fish oils, a multivitamin and vitex to help in getting my period back. Am I overdoing it or do you think I am doing okay?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you!
Hi judy16221,
I think it sounds like you're doing really well. I also have secondary amenorrhea, so I know how hard it is to come to terms with and to take appropriate steps towards better health. Try and tune into what your body is asking for, so if it's asking for carbs, eat them! I think it's a case of always thinking of the long term, and appreciating that it takes time (and experimentation) to make lifestyle changes that benefit you. Keep track of how the changes make you feel and then try to sustain those that are the most positive.
eek help if/when you need it as well. It's not easy, but it sounds like you have a really great attitude! And yeah, give yoga a go...I love it now but it took a while to get into it, plus every class/teacher is different so you might want to try a few.
Hi. I'd have to say yes you're overdoing it. I'm glad to hear you're eating and exercising less extremely than before. You're excessive hunger is now your body's way of letting you know you were starving it. However sweetie you need true carbohydrates not just cereal and your body needs way more protein. Preferably through meat eggs etc. you can even drink protein drinks/shakes. But this is the only way to get more healthy body fat back into your body so your periods resume. Good luck
Hi I experienced something similiar when i experienced some severe stomach problems that made it so I could hardly eat and I stopped having periods for about a year, I lost a lot of weight due to it. But when I recovered I found myself eating a lot all of the time, I thought it was my body craving nutrients. I'm now doing a nutrition course at university as I got interested in it after the whole experience. Are you just eating anything? I would try and stay away from junk food, and eat a balanced diet and don't over do it on supplements. I used a powder that is meant to help build some essential muscle and fat in the body, it's not a whey powder, but I can't remember what it's called, I used to have it on my cereal and quite enjoyed it haha