Cohort study, 2000
What causes irregular periods in women with bulimia, and do they improve with treatment?
Irregular periods in bulimia were linked to vomiting, low thyroid hormone, and low dietary fat. After 12 months of treatment, 56.8 percent of women with irregular cycles became regular. This study concerns eating disorders, not PMS or PMDD.
What they did
Eighty-two women with bulimia nervosa were assessed before treatment and at 12 months follow-up. Researchers measured psychiatric symptoms, nutrition, and menstrual patterns and looked for associations with irregular menses.
What they found
At baseline, 45 percent reported irregular menstrual cycles. High frequency of vomiting, low thyroxine (thyroid hormone), and low dietary fat intake were independently associated with irregular menses. At 12-month follow-up, 30.5 percent reported irregular cycles. Among those with irregular cycles at baseline, 56.8 percent became regular. Greater weight fluctuation, smoking, and depression at follow-up were associated with continuing irregularity.
What it means for you
Menstrual irregularity in bulimia is tied to nutritional restriction and metabolic stress, which can improve with treatment. However, this study is about bulimia nervosa specifically, not PMS or PMDD, so findings may not apply to women without eating disorders. The study shows menstrual function can recover with treatment.
45%
with irregular cycles at baseline
30.5%
with irregular cycles at 12-month follow-up
56.8%
of those starting irregular who became regular at follow-up
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual cycle irregularity in bulimia nervosa. Associated factors and changes with treatment
- Authors
- Gendall KA, Bulik CM, Joyce PR et al.
- Journal
- Journal of psychosomatic research
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Cohort study
- What was tested
- Outpatient psychiatric and nutritional treatment program over 12 months
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3999(00)00188-4
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