Understanding the relationship between hormonal changes and age of onset of Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

Objective: the onset of AN in women, appears to have major peaks at times of significant hormonal changes, namely the onset of menses and menopause. This study aims to assess whether there is a correlation between the onset of the AN with the onset of patient’s menses or menopause. Method: Participants with AN, patients data will be examined to see if there is a correlation between the onset of their AN and age of first menses or menopause (depending on the patient’s age at onset of AN) Patients whose AN began while they were 35 or under will be asked when they began menstruating. Patients whose AN began while they were over the age of 35 will be asked whether they have gone through menopause.