I was wondering whether I could get a bit of advice. I have been battling with anorexia for over 15 years (I'm 32), out of which until four years ago my weight had got low but not below 7 stones. I lost my period for about a year but the. It returned when I was just over seven stones (I'm 5ft 6 so this is underweight). I was surprised but as this was not severely underweight I just put it down to the body adapting to a lower weight. But then four years ago I lost more weight, taking me to 5 and a half stones. My period did not disappear right away, I had one a few weeks into losing the weight, where I was down to 6 and a half stones, then lost it as I went lower. I reached a low of 5 and a half, was in hospital, gained about half a stone, and ever since then I have rigidly maintained 6 stones. For those four years or so at this weight I had no period but had period like pains every few weeks which would last about half a day to a day. Then a couple of days ago I got these pains, they have been much worse and they have not stopped for two days solid. Last night I went to the toilet and, to my shock, I noticed blood on going to the toilet. I assume this is my period because of the obvious pain and breast soreness. Now my shock is obviously how I can be having this at this weight. I have always been told that it is not possible to be ovulating or having periods at this bmi by an actual doctor when I was in hospital four years ago, though I know there are cases were people have. Equally there are people who have regained to normal weight and had still no menses! It can only confirm that body weight and fat is not solely what controls menstuation. There must be some other mechanism at work here? Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks. Joanne.

Weight/fat is a contributing factor but it is not the sole factor to getting your period. A woman's cycle is hormone driven. Having a low bmi typically means you are deficient in nutrients, which will take a toll on the natural production of hormones, etc. The same applies to extremely high bmi body types. The are also deficient in key vitamins/nutrients which affects menstruation, among other things. It's a very involved process but the result is that human bodies are miracles in action and anything can happen.