In a good example of new scientific knowledge not making it to the people who need it, many physicians are still prescribing birth control pills to anorexics to "jump start" their menstrual cycles.



This is not a good idea. At best, hormone pills mask health status. At worst, it damages bone further.



Having a period is not, sadly, a guarantee of medical recovery either. Many bulimics and a good proportion of seriously ill anorexics have regular menstrual cycles.



Real recovery means full nutrition. There are no short cuts through that basic fact.