What hormone level is normal in a patient with anorexia nervosa: Cortisol, Growth Hormone (GH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), or Albumin?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 14, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Research

Hormone Levels in Anorexia Nervosa

The following hormone levels are affected in patients with anorexia nervosa:

  • Cortisol: levels are normal or elevated 1, 2
  • Growth Hormone (GH): fasting levels are elevated, but the stimulated response to Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) is normal and inversely correlated to body weight 1, 3
  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): levels are decreased in patients with anorexia nervosa 1, 4, 3
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): levels are decreased in patients with anorexia nervosa 1, 4, 3
  • Albumin: no information is available on albumin levels in anorexia nervosa from the provided studies

Specific Findings

  • Cortisol levels are normal or elevated in anorexia nervosa, with some studies showing higher cortisol levels in patients with anorexia nervosa compared to normal-weight controls 1, 2
  • GH levels are elevated in the fasting state, but decrease to normal after weight restoration 3
  • FSH and LH levels are decreased in anorexia nervosa, and the response to Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is impaired in approximately half of the patients with anorexia nervosa 1, 4

References

1
Research

Endocrine abnormalities in Anorexia Nervosa.

Pediatric endocrinology reviews : PER, 2003

3
Research

Hypothalamic-pituitary function in anorexia nervosa.

Archives of general psychiatry, 1975

4
Research

Gonadotropin response to LH-RH in anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica, 1988

Related Questions

Is manometry required for achalasia diagnosis with suggestive barium swallow results?
What is Heart Failure (HF) with mid-range ejection fraction (mrEF)?
What suggests malignancy in a smoker with chronic cough and a right upper lobe opacity on radiological investigation?
Can Piperacillin-Tazobactam cause pseudomembranous colitis?
Can Empagliflozin (Jardiance) be given in patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
What condition is associated with Kaposi's varicelliform eruption?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question