Why am I not getting my period back?

[Anonymous]

So I used to eat around 800 to 900 calories a day for about a year. As a result, I completely lost my period.

Then I decided to increase my intake because I would often collapse to the ground.

So I increased to about 1300 calories a day and I’ve been on this amount for 6 months. However, I haven’t gotten my period back yet. I’m also 5’4 just for reference.

Do you think it will take longer for it to come back? Or am I doing something wrong?

[EricSummer]

It depends on your activity level, but even a short woman will usually need a minimum of 1600 calories per day. You also need to account for some surplus so that your body can recover from the earlier period of starvation. Under ideal circumstances, 1300 calories can help avoid a futher aggravation of your underweight, but it cannot help you recover.

In any case please seek professional help! Your life is in danger - without any drama I have to say it as it is.

I have some personal exposure to eating disorders (though not concerning my own eating), so I know what I'm writing about.

[Christoff92]

Because you need to increase your calorie intakes much more.

[BasedBaeBecca]

It's possible that your period will take some more time to come back, as your body may need more time to recover from the stress of being malnourished. However, it's also possible that there could be other reasons for the delay, such as a hormone imbalance or an underlying medical condition.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for the cause of your irregular periods. In the meantime, continue to focus on staying healthy and eating a balanced diet. Your period should return in time with proper treatment and self-care.

[MORPHEUS_12]

You need body fat to have a period. Estrogen works with the body fat to keep you ovulating. If you have an eating disorder you need to get help. It will come back eventually after you stop torturing yourself.

[Asker]

Thank you for your response. Would you say 1300 calories for a 5’4, 21 year old girl is too low?

[Jazzy54]

Drastic changes in your diet can definitely affect your cycle. As far as when it’ll come back? Who knows? You’ll have to go to your doctor.

[Asker]

Thank you! But would you say 1300 calories is good enough for a 21 year old girl who is 5’4?

[Jazzy54]

Again, I don’t know. Asking your doctor these questions will be your best bet.

[EricSummer]

@Asker - It is too low. The value that these "% daily intake" are calculated against is 1800 calories per day for a woman, though some short and not very active women can do with 1600.
Get professional help. Best a medical doctor, but you can start with a nutritionist if you do not feel acutely ill (though likely you are).

[236color]

There is a minimum body fat percentage that you must have to ovulate. Unless you are nearly completely sedentary, 1300 cals is pretty low, maybe bump it up a little.