JOURNAL ARTICLE

Anorexia nervosa and adrenal hormones: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

  • Published In: European Journal of Endocrinology, 2023, v. 189, n. 3. P. S65 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Thavaraputta, Subhanudh; Ungprasert, Patompong; Witchel, Selma F.; Fazeli, Pouneh K. 3 of 3

Abstract

This article systematically reviews and meta-analyzes adrenocortical hormone levels in females with anorexia nervosa (AN) compared to normal-weight controls. It finds that women with AN have significantly elevated cortisol levels—including morning serum, pooled serum, 24-hour urine cortisol, and after low-dose dexamethasone suppression testing—while levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and total testosterone are significantly lower. These hormonal alterations likely reflect adaptive responses to chronic undernutrition and have clinical implications, particularly in differentiating AN from disorders such as Cushing's syndrome during adrenal axis evaluation. The findings underscore the importance of considering these endocrine changes when assessing low-weight women to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.

Additional Information

  • Source:European Journal of Endocrinology. 2023/09, Vol. 189, Issue 3, pS65
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0804-4643
  • DOI:10.1093/ejendo/lvad123
  • Accession Number:172797304
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of European Journal of Endocrinology is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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