Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that begins between the ages of 12 to18 and characterized by conscious trials of being excessively thin because of weight gain fears. Anorexia nervosa is mostly seen in girls and lifetime prevalence among young women is approximately 0.3%. It is suggested that endocrinological changes seen in anorexia nervosa are not due to primary endocrinological disorders and that they are usually common consequences of long duration fasting and excessive weight loss. There are several serious negative effects of loosing weight and long duration fasting on the organ systems. Anorexia nervosa has a high mortality rate due to the metabolic effects that can reach dangerous levels although the disease may become chronic.
In this review, endocrinological changes and their interactions in anorexia nervosa are evaluated.
Key words: Anorexia nervosa, endocrinological changes, eating disorders
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