How to Treat the Side Effects of Anorexia

Anorexia is a medical condition where a person starves her body of food and nutrition. This condition is largely psychological, but it causes a host of physical side effects that need treatment. The side effects of anorexia can include: dizziness and fainting, loss of muscle, low blood pressure, brittle hair, stomach pain, infertility, heart attack and the growth of fine hair on the face and body.

Instructions

1. Seek out medical care, and have your doctor run tests that check your blood, urine, heart, brain and stomach. Anorexia causes side effects on the outside and inside of your body, so a thorough physical exam is important when treating the side effects.

2. Talk with your doctor about setting up an appointment with a licensed psychotherapist. Anorexia causes anxiety, nervousness and fear, and a mental health professional can prescribe you the best treatment for mental side effects.

3. Restore your weight slowly, under a doctor's care. As your weight increases, the physical side effects such as fatigue, loss of concentration, stomach pain, brittle hair and fingernails, and dizziness will subside.

4. Take all medications according to your doctor's directions. If the anorexia has depleted your estrogen, your doctor may give you estrogen replacement therapy, which helps regulate your hormones and build up frail bones. You may get a prescription for Prozac or Paxil, which helps with depression and anxiety.

5. Join a therapy group where you can discuss your treatment of anorexia. Treatment groups can help you get over the fear of gaining weight and help you improve your self-image.