Menstrual dysfunction in anorexia nervosa

Staging models in eating disorders: A systematic scoping review of the literature

Eating Disorders (ED) are characterized by low remission rates, treatment drop-out, and residual symptoms. To improve assessment and treatment of ED, the staging approach has been proposed. This systematic scoping review is aimed at mapping the existing staging models that explicitly propose stages of the progression of ED. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus was conducted with the terms staging, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorders, eating disorders. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria presenting nine ED staging models, mostly for anorexia nervosa. Three were empirically tested, one of which was through an objective measure specifically developed to differentiate between stages. Most staging models featured early stages in which the exacerbation of EDs unfolds and acute phases are followed by chronic stages. Intermediate stages were not limited to acute stages, but also residual phases, remission, relapse, and recovery. The criteria for stage differentiation encompassed behavioral, psychological, cognitive, and physical features including body mass index and illness duration. One study recommended stage-oriented interventions. The current review underscores the need to empirically test the available staging models and to develop and test new proposals of staging models for other ED populations. The inclusion of criteria based on medical features and biomarkers is recommended. Staging models can potentially guide assessment and interventions in daily clinical settings.

Etiology and management of amenorrhea in adolescent and young adult women

In this article, we will review the etiology and management of amenorrhea in adolescent and young adult women, beginning with the diagnostic work-up and followed by etiologies organized by system. Most cases of amenorrhea are caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which is the major regulator of the female reproductive hormones: estrogen and progesterone.  We begin by reviewing hypothalamic etiologies, including eating disorders and relative energy deficiency in sport. Then, pituitary causes of amenorrhea are reviewed, including hyperprolactinemia, empty sella syndrome, Sheehan's syndrome and Cushing's syndrome. Next, ovarian causes of amenorrhea are reviewed, including polycystic ovarian syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency. Finally, other etiologies of amenorrhea are discussed, including thyroid disease, adrenal disease and reproductive tract anomalies. In conclusion, there is a wide and diverse range of causes of amenorrhea in adolescents that originate from any level of the HPO axis, as well as anatomic and chromosomal etiologies.   Treatment should be focused on the underlying cause. Preservation of bone density and risk of fractures should be discussed with amenorrheic patients since many causes of amenorrhea can result in decreased bone density and may be irreversible.

Pubertal mammary gland development is a key determinant of adult mammographic density

Mammographic density refers to the radiological appearance of fibroglandular and adipose tissue on a mammogram of the breast. Women with relatively high mammographic density for their age and body mass index are at significantly higher risk for breast cancer. The association between mammographic density and breast cancer risk is well-established, however the molecular and cellular events that lead to the development of high mammographic density are yet to be elucidated. Puberty is a critical time for breast development, where endocrine and paracrine signalling drive development of the mammary gland epithelium, stroma, and adipose tissue. As the relative abundance of these cell types determines the radiological appearance of the adult breast, puberty should be considered as a key developmental stage in the establishment of mammographic density. Epidemiological studies have pointed to the significance of pubertal adipose tissue deposition, as well as timing of menarche and thelarche, on adult mammographic density and breast cancer risk. Activation of hypothalamic-pituitary axes during puberty combined with genetic and epigenetic molecular determinants, together with stromal fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, and immune signalling factors in the mammary gland, act in concert to drive breast development and the relative abundance of different cell types in the adult breast. Here, we discuss the key cellular and molecular mechanisms through which pubertal mammary gland development may affect adult mammographic density and cancer risk.

Relationship between Diet, Menstrual Pain and other Menstrual Characteristics among Spanish Students

This study sought to describe and compare adherence to the Mediterranean diet and consumption of local foods from the Huelva region among Spanish university women in relation to menstrual pain and other menstrual characteristics. This cross-sectional study included 311 health science students. The study variables were sociodemographic and gynecologic characteristics, adherence to the Mediterranean diet using the KIDMED questionnaire, alcohol consumption (SDU) and consumption of local food. A descriptive bivariate analysis and multiple binary regression were performed for menstrual pain. Up to 55.3% of participants had moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet and only 29.6% had high adherence. Women with low adherence had longer menstrual cycles (p < 0.01). Eating less than two pieces of fruit per day (OR = 3.574; 95%CI = 1.474-8.665; p < 0.05) and eating pulses more than one day a week (OR = 2.320; 95%CI = 1.006-5.348) raised the probability of suffering menstrual pain. A positive correlation between SDU and cycle length was identified (r = 0.119, p = 0.038), and menstrual bleeding was lower in women who consumed olive oil daily (p = 0.044). In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet, alcohol consumption and consuming typical foods from southern Spain appear to influence cycle length, menstrual flow and menstrual pain. Further research is necessary to confirm and expand these findings.

Adipokines: A gear shift in puberty

In this review, we discuss the role of adipokines in the onset of puberty in children with obesity during adrenarche and gonadarche and provide a clear and detailed overview of the biological processes of two major players, leptin and adiponectin. Adipokines, especially leptin and adiponectin, seem to induce an early onset of puberty in girls and boys with obesity by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Moreover, adipokines and their receptors are expressed in the gonads, suggesting a role in sexual maturation and reproduction. All in all, adipokines may be a clue in understanding mechanisms underlying the onset of puberty in childhood obesity and puberty onset variability.

Return of Menses in Previously Overweight Patients with Eating Disorders

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Adolescents with eating disorders and a history of overweight present with higher weights, longer duration of disease, but equally severe symptomatology compared with previously normal weight patients. To better delineate treatment goals for this understudied population, we compared weight at menses resumption with premorbid maximum weight among previously overweight and normal weight patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Outpatient adolescent medicine clinic at an eating disorder referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

Postmenarchal patients meeting criteria for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition eating disorders. History of overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to the 85th percentile or 25 or more.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Weight characteristics at presentation and menses resumption (BMI, BMI z-score, change from maximum weight to presentation weight) RESULTS: Previously overweight patients presented with greater mean weight, longer duration of disease, and higher BMI than previously normal weight patients. No difference was found in rates of amenorrhea at presentation or menses resumption. Previously overweight patients resumed menses at a younger age and higher BMI z-scores. The difference between weight at menses resumption and premorbid maximum weight was greater for previously overweight patients.

CONCLUSION

Previously overweight patients with eating disorders present differently than their normal-weight peers, so reliance on weight status as a screening criterion might result in underdiagnosis. Although BMI z-scores associated with menses resumption are higher for previously overweight patients, there is no difference in weight gain between presentation and menses resumption and time to menses resumption compared with previously normal-weight patients. Moreover, menses resumption occurred at weights significantly lower than premorbid maximum weight for previously overweight patients, so restoration to highest premorbid weight is not necessary.

Medical Complications of Eating Disorders in Youth

Eating disorders affect a significant number of individuals across the life span and are found among all demographic groups (including all genders, socioeconomic statuses, and ethnicities). They can cause malnutrition, which can have significant effects on every organ system in the body. Cardiovascular complications are particularly dangerous and cause eating disorders to have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. This article outlines the medical assessment and treatment of malnutrition due to disordered eating.

Examining a staging model for anorexia nervosa: empirical exploration of a four stage model of severity

BACKGROUND

An illness staging model for anorexia nervosa (AN) has received increasing attention, but assessing the merits of this concept is dependent on empirically examining a model in clinical samples. Building on preliminary findings regarding the reliability and validity of the Clinician Administered Staging Instrument for Anorexia Nervosa (CASIAN), the current study explores operationalising CASIAN severity scores into stages and assesses their relationship with other clinical features.

METHOD

In women with DSM-IV-R AN and sub-threshold AN (all met AN criteria using DSM 5), receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis (n = 67) assessed the relationship between the sensitivity and specificity of each stage of the CASIAN. Thereafter chi-square and post-hoc adjusted residual analysis provided a preliminary assessment of the validity of the stages comparing the relationship between stage and treatment intensity and AN sub-types, and explored movement between stages after six months (Time 3) in a larger cohort (n = 171).

RESULTS

The CASIAN significantly distinguished between milder stages of illness (Stage 1 and 2) versus more severe stages of illness (Stages 3 and 4), and approached statistical significance in distinguishing each of the four stages from one other. CASIAN Stages were significantly associated with treatment modality and primary diagnosis, and CASIAN Stage at Time 1 was significantly associated with Stage at 6 month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Provisional support is provided for a staging model in AN. Larger studies with longer follow-up of cases are now needed to replicate and extend these findings and evaluate the overall utility of staging as well as optimal staging models.

Physical activity, body weight, and resumption of menses in anorexia nervosa

Few data are available on long-term outcomes and increased physical activity at the end of inpatient treatment in patients with anorexia nervosa. Hence we assessed the association between physical activity, measured objectively by Sense Wear Armband (SWA), and body mass index (BMI; kg/m²) and menses resumption at one-year follow-up in 32 females with anorexia nervosa who had restored normal body weight by the end of a specialist inpatient treatment. Combined logistic regression models used to evaluate the relationship between variables at discharge, BMI and resumption of menses at one-year follow-up revealed no significant association between BMI at one-year follow-up and physical activity patterns at inpatient discharge. However, total daily steps at inpatient discharge were significantly lower in patients who had resumed menstruation, as confirmed by logistic regression analysis. A small reduction in daily steps at inpatient discharge (~1000 steps) was found to increase the probability of menses resumption at one-year follow-up by ~3%. These data provide preliminary indications as to the potential usefulness of assessing daily steps to predict the resumption of menses at one-year follow-up in patients with anorexia nervosa who restore body weight by the end of inpatient treatment, although confirmation on larger samples is urgently required.

Nutritional and Micronutrient Status of Female Workers in a Garment Factory in Cambodia

Background: Concerns about the nutritional status of Cambodian garment workers were raised years ago but data are still scarce. The objectives of this study are to examine the nutritional, hemoglobin and micronutrient status of female workers in a garment factory in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and to assess if body mass index is associated with hemoglobin and/or micronutrient status. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 223 female workers (nulliparous, non-pregnant) at a garment factory in Phnom Penh. Anthropometric measurements were performed and blood samples were taken to obtain results on hemoglobin, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and inflammation status (hemoglobinopathies not determined). Bivariate correlations were used to assess associations. Results: Overall, 31.4% of workers were underweight, 26.9% showed anemia, 22.1% showed iron deficiency, while 46.5% had marginal iron stores. No evidence of vitamin A or vitamin B12 deficiency was found. Body mass index was associated with serum ferritin (negative) and serum retinol-binding protein (positive) concentrations, but not strongly. A comparison between underweight and not underweight workers resulted in distinctions for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, with a higher prevalence among not underweight. Conclusions: The prevalence of underweight, anemia and poor iron status was high. Young and nulliparous female garment workers in Cambodia might constitute a group with elevated risk for nutritional deficiencies. Strategies need to be developed for improving their nutritional, micronutrient and health status. The poor iron status seems to contribute to the overall prevalence of anemia. Low hemoglobin and iron deficiency affected both underweight and those not underweight. Despite the fact that body mass index was negatively associated with iron stores, true differences in iron status between underweight and not underweight participants cannot be confirmed.

Memory impairment is associated with the loss of regular oestrous cycle and plasma oestradiol levels in an activity-based anorexia animal model

OBJECTIVES

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) suffer from neuropsychological deficits including memory impairments. Memory partially depends on 17β-oestradiol (E2), which is reduced in patients with AN. We assessed whether memory functions correlate with E2 plasma levels in the activity-based anorexia (ABA) rat model.

METHODS

Nine 4-week-old female Wistar rats were sacrificed directly after weight loss of 20-25% (acute starvation), whereas 17 animals had additional 2-week weight-holding (chronic starvation). E2 serum levels and novel object recognition tasks were tested before and after starvation and compared with 21 normally fed controls.

RESULTS

Starvation disrupted menstrual cycle and impaired memory function, which became statistically significant in the chronic state (oestrous cycle (P < 0.001), E2 levels (P = 0.011) and object recognition memory (P = 0.042) compared to controls). E2 reduction also correlated with the loss of memory in the chronic condition (r = 0.633, P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that starvation reduces the E2 levels which are associated with memory deficits in ABA rats. These effects might explain reduced memory capacity in patients with AN as a consequence of E2 deficiency and the potentially limited effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions in the starved state. Future studies should examine whether E2 substitution could prevent cognitive deficits and aid in earlier readiness for therapy.

Canadian Consensus on Female Nutrition: Adolescence, Reproduction, Menopause, and Beyond

OBJECTIVES

To provide health care professionals in Canada with the basic knowledge and tools to provide nutrition guidance to women through their lifecycle.

OUTCOMES

Optimal nutrition through the female lifecycle was evaluated, with specific focus on adolescence, pre-conception, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and beyond. The guideline begins with an overview of guidance for all women, followed by chapters that examine the evidence and provide recommendations for the promotion of healthy nutrition and body weight at each life stage. Nutrients of special concern and other considerations unique to each life stage are discussed in each chapter.

EVIDENCE

Published literature, governmental and health agency reports, clinical practice guidelines, grey literature, and textbook sources were used in supporting the recommendations made in this document.

VALUES

The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. CHAPTER 2: GENERAL FEMALE NUTRITION: Summary Statements Recommendations CHAPTER 3: ADOLESCENCE NUTRITION: Summary Statements Recommendations CHAPTER 4: PRE-CONCEPTUAL NUTRITION: Summary Statement Recommendations CHAPTER 5: NUTRITION IN PREGNANCY: Summary Statements Recommendations CHAPTER 6: POSTPARTUM NUTRITION AND LACTATION: Summary Statements Recommendations CHAPTER 7: NUTRITION DURING MENOPAUSE AND BEYOND: Summary Statement Recommendations.

Menstruation disorders in adolescents with eating disorders-target body mass index percentiles for their resolution

Objective:

To analyse the progression of body mass index in eating disorders and to determine the percentile for establishment and resolution of the disease.

Methods:

A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study. Review of clinical files of adolescents with eating disorders.

Results:

Of the 62 female adolescents studied with eating disorders, 51 presented with eating disorder not otherwise specified, 10 anorexia nervosa, and 1 bulimia nervosa. Twenty-one of these adolescents had menstrual disorders; in that, 14 secondary amenorrhea and 7 menstrual irregularities (6 eating disorder not otherwise specified, and 1 bulimia nervosa). In average, in anorectic adolescents, the initial body mass index was in 75th percentile; secondary amenorrhea was established 1 month after onset of the disease; minimum weight was 76.6% of ideal body mass index (at 4th percentile) at 10.2 months of disease; and resolution of amenorrhea occurred at 24 months, with average weight recovery of 93.4% of the ideal. In eating disorder not otherwise specified with menstrual disorder (n=10), the mean initial body mass index was at 85th percentile; minimal weight was in average 97.7% of the ideal value (minimum body mass index was in 52nd percentile) at 14.9 months of disease; body mass index stabilization occured at 1.6 year of disease; and mean body mass index was in 73rd percentile. Considering eating disorder not otherwise specified with secondary amenorrhea (n=4); secondary amenorrhea occurred at 4 months, with resolution at 12 months of disease (mean 65th percentile body mass index).

Conclusion:

One-third of the eating disorder group had menstrual disorder – two-thirds presented with amenorrhea. This study indicated that for the resolution of their menstrual disturbance the body mass index percentiles to be achieved by female adolescents with eating disorders was 25–50 in anorexia nervosa, and 50–75, in eating disorder not otherwise specified.

A new logical insight and putative mechanism behind fluoxetine-induced amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea in a case series

With the exception of fluoxetine, all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) commonly cause hyperprolactinemia through presynaptic mechanisms indirectly via 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-mediated inhibition of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons. However, there is little insight regarding the mechanisms by which fluoxetine causes hyperprolactinemia via the postsynaptic pathway. In this text, analysis of five spontaneously reported clinical cases of hyperprolactinemia resulting in overt symptoms of amenorrhea with or without galactorrhea, were scrupulously analyzed after meticulously correlating relevant literature and an attempt was made to explore the putative postsynaptic pathway of fluoxetine inducing hyperprolactinemia. Hypothetically, serotonin regulates prolactin release either by increasing oxytocin (OT) level via direct stimulation of vasoactitive intestinal protein (VIP) or indirectly through stimulation of GABAergic neurons. The pharmacodynamic exception and pharmacokinetic aspect of fluoxetine are highlighted to address the regulation of prolactin release via serotonergic pathway, either directly through stimulation of prolactin releasing factors (PRFs) VIP and OT via 5-HT2A receptors predominantly on PVN (neurosecretory magnocellular cell) or through induction of 5-HT1A-mediated direct and indirect GABAergic actions. Prospective molecular and pharmacogenetic studies are warranted to visualize how fluoxetine regulate neuroendocrine system and cause adverse consequences, which in turn may explore new ways of approach of drug development by targeting the respective metabolic pathways to mitigate these adverse impacts.

Tampon use in patients with anorexia nervosa can cause persistent vaginal bleeding: a case series

OBJECTIVE

To describe the phenomenon of persistent vaginal bleeding in two patients with severe anorexia nervosa.

METHOD

We report two cases of young women with severe anorexia nervosa reporting vaginal bleeding that persisted for months despite trials of topical and systemic conjugated estrogen therapy.

RESULT

A speculum exam by a gynecologist ultimately revealed the source of the bleeding to be tampon-induced vaginal ulcers. These resolved, along with the vaginal bleeding, with vaginal estrogen cream and cessation of tampon use.

DISCUSSION

Most patients with anorexia nervosa are amenorrheic due to reversion of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis to a prepubertal state. Vaginal bleeding in patients with anorexia nervosa may trigger needless systemic hormonal treatments, radiographic studies, and multiple physician visits. A careful exam is warranted to evaluate for the presence of tampon-induced vaginal ulcer in patients with anorexia nervosa who have persistent vaginal bleeding.

Variations in admission practices for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: a North American sample

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the variability in admission practices and medical inpatient care for adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).

METHODS

Participants consisted of members of the 2001-2003 Eating Disorder Special Interest Group from the Society for Adolescent Medicine who completed a structured telephone interview about their admission practices and patterns of inpatient care for teens with AN. Questions focused on admission threshold for heart rate (HR), percentage of ideal body weight (% IBW), and refeeding protocols. Case vignettes were used.

RESULTS

Of 95 eligible practitioners, 51 (53%) agreed to participate. Participants represented 25 American states, one Canadian province, and 45 different adolescent programs. The majority of physicians reported they would hospitalize an AN patient with HR <40 beats/min. The most common response for when to hospitalize based on % IBW was 75% IBW. There were no differences in admission practices based on number of years in practice, gender of physician, or practice setting. Regional differences in admission practices were noted, with physicians in the western United States less likely to admit patients with HR >or=40 beats per minute (p = .018). Physicians described 28 different methods of advancing a diet during an admission. Only 37% of physicians were aware of a standardized refeeding protocol in their institution.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates variability in admission criteria and refeeding practices and shows evidence of geographic variations of admission standards. These data provide a baseline for outcome trials investigating medical admissions for adolescents with AN.

Current concepts in bone and reproductive health in adolescents with anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) initiates an adaptive response at the level of the hypothalamus, which results in a complex interplay involving most elements of the neuroendocrine axis. Consequences of onset of disease in adolescence include amenorrhoea, pubertal arrest with potential loss of target height, and osteoporosis with reduced capacity for future attainment of peak bone mass. With recovery, delay in restoration of menses is common. Hormonal therapies for restoration of bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents have shown limited efficacy. This review will discuss the reproductive endocrine effects of AN in adolescence, and discuss new investigative tools for monitoring restoration of reproductive function and BMD in this population.

Staging anorexia nervosa: conceptualizing illness severity

In recent years, there has been increasing attention to the conceptualization of anorexia nervosa (AN) and its diagnostic criteria. While varying levels of severity within the illness category of AN have long been appreciated, neither a precise definition of severity nor an empirical examination of severity in AN has been undertaken. The aim of this article is to review the current state of knowledge on illness severity and to propose a theoretical model for the definition and conceptualization of severity in AN. AN is associated with significant medical morbidity which is related to the 'severity' of presentation on such markers as body mass index, eating and purging behaviours. The development of a functional staging system, based on symptom severity, is indicated for reasons similar to those cited by the cancer lobby. Improving case management and making appropriate treatment recommendations have been the primary purpose of staging in other fields, and might also apply to AN. Such a standardized staging system could potentially ease communication between treatment settings, and increase the specificity and comparability of research findings in the field of AN.

Are girls with ADHD at risk for eating disorders? Results from a controlled, five-year prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders in a large adolescent population of girls with and without ADHD.

METHOD

We estimated the incidence of lifetime eating disorders (either anorexia or bulimia nervosa) using Cox proportional hazard survival models. Comparisons between ADHD girls with and without eating disorders were then made on measures of comorbidity, course of ADHD, and growth and puberty.

RESULTS

ADHD girls were 3.6 times more likely to meet criteria for an eating disorder throughout the follow-up period compared to control females. Girls with eating disorders had significantly higher rates of major depression, anxiety disorders, and disruptive behavior disorder compared to ADHD girls without eating disorders. Girls with ADHD and eating disorders had a significantly earlier mean age at menarche than other ADHD girls. No other differences in correlates of ADHD were detected between ADHD girls with and without eating disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

ADHD significantly increases the risk of eating disorders. The presence of an eating disorder in girls with ADHD heightens the risk of additional morbidity and dysfunction.

The female athlete and menstrual function

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In the past year, there have been remarkable advancements in the understanding of the female athlete's pathology and in recognizing the specific needs of women participating in both recreational and competitive sports. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent developments in the field of female athletes and menstrual function.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although the female athletic triad, consisting of disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis, has been clinically recognized, there have been few studies quantifying the long-term effects. This review summarizes recently explored topics, including: disordered eating as a main culprit of menstrual irregularities, long-term longitudinal studies following female athletes through to retirement, and current treatment options.

SUMMARY

Understanding the causes, profiles and the prevention of menstrual irregularities in the female athlete should help decrease its prevalence among women involved in athletics. The literature reviewed in this article stresses the importance of early detection, as well as the consequences of eating disorders, menstrual disturbances and bone loss left untreated.