Eating Disorders · Texas behavioral health news
Therapeutic approaches for endocrine dysregulation in anorexia nervosa in adolescents - Frontiers
Eating Disorders (Google News) · February 28, 2026
In plain language
Anorexia nervosa causes serious hormonal changes in teenagers that can lead to stunted growth, delayed puberty, and weak bones. While restoring nutrition and healthy weight is the most important step for recovery, some medical treatments may help manage these hormonal issues. Research suggests that skin patches providing estrogen can help strengthen bones and restart menstrual cycles in girls. Other treatments, like growth hormones, are being studied but are currently only used as extra support alongside nutritional therapy.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Nutritional rehabilitation and reaching a healthy weight are the most effective ways to balance hormones in teens with anorexia.
- Anorexia often causes growth failure and delayed puberty because the body suppresses hormones to save energy.
- Most teens with anorexia develop low bone density, which can lead to a much higher risk of fractures.
- Physiologic transdermal estrogen is the only evidence-based hormone therapy proven to improve bone density in adolescent girls with anorexia.
- Standard oral birth control pills have not been found effective for improving bone health in teenagers with this eating disorder.
- Excess cortisol production during periods of starvation further damages bone strength and can increase feelings of anxiety.
Therapeutic approaches for endocrine dysregulation in anorexia nervosa in adolescents Frontiers
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