Endocrine and metabolic disorders in bulimic women and effects of antiandrogenic treatment

Abstract: Background: Bulimia is a mental disorder frequently associated with menstrual disturbances and low estradiol levels although most bulimic women are of normal weight. Low bone mass has also been reported in these women. Furthermore, increased androgen levels and polycystic ovaries (PCO) have been described in bulimic women. Little is known about the mechanisms of these hormonal disturbances and the role of sex hormones in the etiology of the disease has not been fully explored. Androgens may promote bulimic behavior by influencing food craving or impulse control. Aims: The specific aims of this work were to compare women with bulimia to healthy controls with respect to: 1) menstrual disturbances and the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 2) endocrine and nutritionrelated factors predicting bone mass 3) estrogen receptor (ER)