Endocrine aspects of eating disorders in adolescents
Levine, R.L.
Adolescent Medicine 13(1): 129-143 Vii
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1041-3499 PMID: 11841960 Document Number: 264746
Eating disorders are an important health concern among adolescents. Young women frequently present with signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These disorders represent clinically significant illnesses with serious and sometimes permanent medical complications, including a number of endocrine conditions, that, in general, result from the body s adaptive response to malnutrition. Examples include disorders of metabolism, cortisol and leptin regulation, fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, thyroid function, glucose regulation, growth and development, and reproductive function with the development of amenorrhea as well as the risk of osteoporosis.