The role of reproductive hormones in the development and maintenance of eating disorders

Abstract

Much remains to be understood about the etiology of eating disorders. There is substantial evidence that reproductive hormones, specifically estrogens, play a direct role in normal food intake. Evidence is increasing that the reproductive hormones play a role in the abnormal food intake associated with eating disorders. For example, there is an inverse association between estradiol and eating disorder symptoms. Preliminary studies also suggest that hormone augmentation may be a beneficial adjunct to the standard treatment of choice for eating disorders. However, research is limited, so definitive conclusions about the benefit of hormone augmentation in treatment cannot be drawn. Future research, with a focus on translational studies, should continue to explore the role of reproductive hormones in the vulnerability to and maintenance of eating disorders.

Keywords: eating disorder; estradiol; progesterone; reproductive hormone; review; testosterone.

Conflict of interest statement

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1. Changes in reproductive hormone concentrations across the menstrual cycle

The graph is not based on actual data but is meant to provider readers with a general idea of the change in reproductive hormones that occurs across the menstrual cycle. FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone; LH: Luteinizing hormone.