Question 1

what can cause hypothalamic amenorrhea without stress/exercise/eating disorders?  my hormone profile doesn't match pcos, but my periods are irregular.

Accepted Answer

Irregular periods: Considerations would include low body fat, sleep disorder, drug/alcohol, and pituitary or thyroid issues.

Question 2

who develops eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Those at risk are: Those with what are called predisposing factors (female, genetic load, cultural). Those don't necessarily make it happen. Problems such as adolescent body image, media and pressure to be thin, poor eating habits, being overweight, abuse especially sexually, harsh criticism from family about weight all contribute. When help is early on, there is less damage both psychologically and physically.

Question 3

how is it that eating disorders start?

Accepted Answer

Rewarding: At some point, all maladaptive behavior that is maintained was reinforced/rewarded.  Be it a reward of removing something painful (e..G, feeling out of control & exerting control not eating; removing guilt from binging through purging) or adding something pleasurable (e.g., receive complements for loss of weight).  Nearly all behavior results from genetics + environment + experience + reward.

Question 4

what understanding of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Linformation search: There are many organizations that help people with eating disorders and support professionals who work with these patients. Try the organization anorexia nervosa and associated disorders, www.Anad.Org as a place to start.

Question 5

are eating disorders a recent phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

No: Has been there for years, but recently we are having more awareness about and health care providers are screening for it more.

Question 6

is there a biological basis for eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Biologic, but not necessarily genetic. Women are more likely to have eating disorders than men, especially anorexia nervosa. In twins generally, if one has it the other has a higher chance of having it. That could be more sociological than genetic, especially when raised together. Sisters have a higher rate for that reason.  Major mood disorders are higher in these families. Sexual abuse is common.

Question 7

what are danger signs of teenage eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Several signs: Evidence of binging, restricting or purging: including but not limited to rapid weight gain or loss, eating large quantities of food, eating small quantities of food, non-prescribed use of laxatives or diuretics, excessive exercise, obsession with food or weight.

Question 8

what are the underlying causes of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Eating disorder: There is no one single cause. It is combination of the "nature and nurture", which is the combination of biological/genetic and social and psychological factors.

Question 9

what are the ways that eating disorders affect you?

Accepted Answer

Depends on disorder: Anorexia nervosa has highest rate of mortality of any psychiatric disorder. Associated with severe malnutrition, bone loss, lack of menstrual cycling, cardiac alterations. Purging associated with esophageal tear.

Question 10

what is your opinion on eradicating eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Eradicating?: I'm not sure eating disorders can be "eradicated, " since that implies that no one would ever develop them again.  But they can certainly be treated when present, and need to be.  A team approach with psychiatrists, psychologists, nutritionists, etc is often best.  Some early warning signs can be heeded also,  to prevent more entrenched illness.  Eating disorders can be deadly if not addressed.

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Doctor answers about:

Amenorrhea eating disorder

A member asked:

What can cause hypothalamic amenorrhea without stress/exercise/eating disorders? my hormone profile doesn't match pcos, but my periods are irregular.

A member asked:

Who develops eating disorders?

A member asked:

How is it that eating disorders start?

A member asked:

What understanding of eating disorders?

A member asked:

Are eating disorders a recent phenomenon?

A member asked:

Is there a biological basis for eating disorders?

A member asked:

What are danger signs of teenage eating disorders?

A member asked:

What are the underlying causes of eating disorders?

A member asked:

What are the ways that eating disorders affect you?

A member asked:

What is your opinion on eradicating eating disorders?

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