Primary Amenorrhea in Anorexia Nervosa: Impact on Characteristic Masculine and Feminine Traits

Abstract

Animal studies indicate gonadal hormones at puberty have an effect on the development of masculine and feminine traits. However, it is unknown whether similar processes occur in humans. We examined whether women with anorexia nervosa (AN), who often experience primary amenorrhea, exhibit attenuated feminization in their psychological characteristics in adulthood due to the decrease/absence of gonadal hormones at puberty. Women with AN were compared on a number of psychological characteristics using General Linear Models based on the presence/absence of primary amenorrhea. Although women with primary amenorrhea exhibited lower anxiety scores than those without primary amenorrhea, in general, results did not provide evidence of attenuated feminization in women with AN with primary amenorrhea. Future research should utilize novel techniques and direct hormone measurement to explore the effects of pubertal gonadal hormones on masculine and feminine traits.

Smell–taste dysfunctions in extreme weight/eating conditions: analysis of hormonal and psychological interactions

“…Hence, it is unclear whether alterations in smell are related to starvation or malnutrition. The role of metabolic hormones in the sensory and regulatory aspects of energy homeostasis has been described in the literature [48,49]. Accordingly, the interaction between olfaction, gut hormones and eating behavior has also been described in the literature regarding metabolic disorders (such as obesity and anorexia nervosa) [23].…”

Menstrual irregularities: understanding the role of influential factors

“…Lesser body fat and high calorie restriction diets are one of the major reasons behind why women with anorexia nervosa develop primary amenorrhea. It was suspected that these changes in the hormones could be responsible for bringing about any feminine and masculine characteristics in these women too (J. H. Baker et al, 2014). A relationship between presence of menstrual irregularities and high possibilities of developing momentary stress and episodes of skipping meals was also found in women with anorexia nervosa and this showed that menstrual irregularities can have an effect on eating behaviours and even perceived stress in the long run (J. H. Baker et al, 2014) .…”