Endocrine complications of anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Plain English summary Endocrine complications are common in anorexia nervosa (AN). Examples include absence of menstrual periods in women, low testosterone levels in men, and low thyroid hormone levels, all of which are considered adaptive to the state of undernutrition. Low bone density and increased risk of fractures are also common complications. In women, weight recovery and restoration of menstrual periods are important treatments for low bone density. Less is known about the treatment of endocrine complications in men with AN. In this article, we review the causes and treatment of endocrine abnormalities in AN.

Keywords

• Anorexia nervosa
• Endocrine complications
• Amenorrhea
• Low bone density