Hormones? Can't lose weight...eating in a strict calorie deficit. Please help!

Hi there,

I wonder if anyone can help me.

I am a 19yo female. I have slowly gained weight over the past year (7-8kg in 6 months) whilst being extremely active training for a half ironman triathlon (my garmin says on average I was burning 3000 cals day). I have always been very athletic, had muscular legs etc. and defintely wouldn't attribute my weight gain to muscle. I wasn't tracking calories at the time but have been for the last 3 months or so, and I am pretty certain there was no chance I was eating in excess of this.

For the past 2-3 months I have been strictly counting calories on My Fitness Pal, eating in a deficit of to begin with 500- now 750 cals a day. Portion sizes exactly measured, condiments drinks etc. However during this time my weight has only fluctuated by about 0.5kg up or down.

I eat healthily- I don't eat chocoloate, sweets, crisps, takeaway, fizzy drinks etc.

I am desperate to get this sorted. I know I should be eating more food in a day to sustain myself, but fearful if I do I will gain more weight. I am currently in deficit of 600-750 cals a day and I wake up hungry and have headaches which I know isn't right. I am scared if I eat normally, I will gain more weight. Anymore my BMI will be in the overweight category (BMI currently 24.9).

I think it may be hormone related. I have had bloods done in the past and thyroid function has been normal. However I haven't had a natural period in about 2 years.

I had one Depo shot about 8 months ago. During the 12 weeks I lost weight without really trying to, and had 1 period after the 12 weeks. This is what makes me think it may be linked to hormones.

Other symptoms:

• Very thirsty/dehydrated in the mornings when I wake up (despite in the day probably drinking 3-4L +)
• Don't feel the cold
• had a stress fracture in the last six months (marker of bone health/oestrogen levels?)

I am desperate to get this sorted, however I have gone to my GP and she insists there is nothing wrong. Bloods are normal. She told me not having a period is normal as I am very active (I was shocked by this...usually a key sign of overtraining/hormones are off and thought it should be taken more seriously). I expressed my conern and was told to come back when I wanted to have a baby.

If anyone could help recommend what may be causing this/any tests I should run I would be EXTREMELY GRATEFUL?

I am trying to approach the situation with a positive frame of mind but it is very disheartening that I can't seem to lose the weight.

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