anorexia and babies

I am 28 and have had an eating disorder for several years. I now want to start trying for a baby, but I'm worried about my fertility and capability to fall pregnant. I am trying to put on some weight and have put on a few kilos but still haven't got my periods back (I haven't had one for 2 years- which is when I stopped taking the pill to see if I would menstrate normally). Is there any way to know if I'm still fertile (as terrifying as that question is)? Also what sort of BMI do I need to be before I can expect to get my periods back? I currently have a BMI of 16.5-17 which is about the heaviest I've been since I was a teenager. I have heard **** Quai is used in Chinese medicine to help regulate periods- is this a good idea?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
A BMI of 18.5 to 20 is ideal body weight.  So, you are definitely under weight.  You would probably benefit from ovulation induction with clomid or femara.  You could jump start your cycles medically.  You definitely want to have your eating disorder in good control during pregnancy, as you are going to have to gain 12-15 kilos for the baby to be healthy--this can be very difficult for some people!  I would suggest that you have your thyroid levels and prolactin levels checked too, as they may be out of balance.
I don't know much about Chinese medications, so really can't comment on that, but I would suggest that you NOT take that during pregnancy, unless you are under the care of an expert herbalist. I have had many patients with eating disorders do very well during pregnancy, so give it a go!

Good luck!
Dr B

[butterflyink25]

presently my BMI is 18.5 is use to be anorexic and my new husband and I want to have child any suggestions

[butterflyink25]

presently my BMI is 18.5 is use to be anorexic and my new husband and I want to have child any suggestions .. Use to live in Billings Montana

[giapaCLE]

Hi, I found your post - we're the same age.  I wanted to share my story with you.

I have an eating disorder as well, although I have been at a healthy weight for more than 12 months.  I lost my period at the height of my ED, and did not recover it for 5+ months, discovered this when I stopped my pill to start to TTC.  About 7 months after getting my period back - I got knocked up! :)

However, when I went to my 10 week prenatal appt to perhaps hear a heartbeat, I learned that I had a missed miscarriage.  I later underwent a D&C.  This all was extremely emotional for me and my husband.

Did the eating disorder contribute?  I will never know for sure, they don't really analyze miscarriages on otherwise healthy 27 yr olds.  But, deep down, I think that my body was just not where it needed to be yet.  

After a few weeks (months) of the "why us?" I decided to take even more steps to improving my health - by eating the food pyramid and cutting down my workouts - and I'm learning to love my new curves.  By the time i *do* get preggers I will be one healthy mama!

As of today, April 11, 2009 my husband and I have been TTC for almost 2 yrs.  One day it will happen, but only when my body is ready.

Be healthy, that's what it's all about - for you, for baby!

[giapaCLE]

Hi, I found your post - we're the same age.  I wanted to share my story with you.

I have an eating disorder as well, although I have been at a healthy weight for more than 12 months.  I lost my period at the height of my ED, and did not recover it for 5+ months, discovered this when I stopped my pill to start to TTC.  About 7 months after getting my period back - I got knocked up! :)

However, when I went to my 10 week prenatal appt to perhaps hear a heartbeat, I learned that I had a missed miscarriage.  I later underwent a D&C.  This all was extremely emotional for me and my husband.

Did the eating disorder contribute?  I will never know for sure, they don't really analyze miscarriages on otherwise healthy 27 yr olds.  But, deep down, I think that my body was just not where it needed to be yet.  

After a few weeks (months) of the "why us?" I decided to take even more steps to improving my health - by eating the food pyramid and cutting down my workouts - and I'm learning to love my new curves.  By the time i *do* get preggers I will be one healthy mama!

As of today, April 11, 2009 my husband and I have been TTC for almost 2 yrs.  One day it will happen, but only when my body is ready.

Be healthy, that's what it's all about - for you, for baby!