How Does Anorexia Nervosa Affect Menstrual Cycles?
One of the most common gynecological manifestations of anorexia nervosa is amenorrhea, or the absence of menstrual periods. This occurs due to the body's response to malnutrition and low body fat, which disrupts the normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. As a result, the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) decreases, leading to reduced levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and consequently, lower levels of estrogen.
