Hormonal Profile Heterogeneity and Short-Term Physical Risk in Restrictive Anorexia Nervosa

Context: The relevance of hormonal assessment in anorexia nervosa (AN) management is still unclear. The short-term physical risk during undernutrition period of the disease is partially predicted by anthropometric and electrolytic parameters. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate hormonal profiles in a large cohort of AN and their relationship with critical states. Design and Setting: This was an observational monocentric cross-sectional study performed in the endocrinological unit. Patients and Other Participants: Participants included 210 young female subjects with restrictive-type AN and 42 female controls of comparable age. Main Outcome Measures: The following hormonal parameters were measured: thyroid hormones, GH, IGF-I, cortisol, oestradiol, FSH, LH, SHBG, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, plasma metanephrines, and bone markers. Their relation with registered short-term evolution of AN subjects after hormonal assessment was evaluated. Results: Except for metanephrines and dehydroepian...