[aloneinmusic]

I have been diagnosed with an ED, but this was a few years ago and it was EDNOS at the time which was due to my healthy/normal weight. That part of the criteria I can actually understand because technically my treatment would have been different- I wasn't required to gain weight unlike someone who's underweight.

But the difference is, for over a year now I actually am underweight...so if I went back to a doctor I would assume they'd change my dx because I literally don't fit EDNOS anymore...but I still have my periods? On the DSM this part of the criteria has been removed because would this mean guys or girls who've not started their periods yet/girls who take the pill, can't have anorexia?

But in the UK I don't think we use the DSM and so obviously I can't help but feel like this means I'm a fake, I'm not sick enough or thin enough etc and now I'm even more scared to get help in case a doctor repeats that.

I take the contraceptive pill which could be one of the reasons I haven't ever lost mine even after 4-5 years of being ill. But is that even taken into account?

I just don't know. It's playing on my mind.

[eskielover]

The first time I was dealing with anorexia in my early 40's I was way underweight & my periods never stopped but was dx'ed with anorexia here in the states using the previous DSM. Not a requirement for being dx'ed, just one of the things that can occur

[cucumbercat1]

Amenorrhea is no longer a criteria for anorexia diagnosis for the DSM or ICD-10 diagnosis (I believe). Men have anorexia, and some women continue to menstruate despite being weight suppressed. Do not let this be a deterrent of you receiving help. Amenorrhea is an antiquated criteria that most people don't use anymore. I was a very low body weight and I still menstruated for quite some time before I lost my period. And I regained my period before I was fully weight restored. Your struggle is valid and real!

[Blaire]

I was diagnosed with anorexia without losing my period. I was very sick at that point, so definitely don't assume that if you still have your period, you're a fake. I totally understand where you're coming from, I had the exact same concerns. I probably never would have believed I was sick enough. I was very surprised when they diagnosed me, but now I realize how distorted my thinking was. Regardless, if you are suffering, you deserve help.

[bronzeowl]

I think they removed that criteria from the DSM with the most recent update. It was problematic in so many ways. I lost my period long before I got to a low BMI, and some people never lose their periods. Likewise, (cis) men don't have periods but can be anorexic. It was just a problematic criteria. You can still have anorexia and have a period.