Reproductive hormone profiles in male anorexia nervosa before, during and after restoration of body weight to normal. A study of twelve patients

Twelve male subjects with anorexia nervosa have been studied in respect of various aspects of their hormonal status. Initially low plasma levels of testosterone and LH increase significantly as weight is regained to matched population mean levels. LH response to releasing hormone is absent at low body weight, enhanced at transitional early/mid-pubertal body weight and normal at newly restored adult body weight. It is claimed that these changes as experienced by the individuals concerned during weight gain must necessarily be taken into account in the attendant psychotherapy, and can then provide the opportunity for psychological growth and greater capacity this time to cope with the inevitably rekindied adolescent turmoil.