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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Patterns of menstrual disturbance in eating disorders
Andréa Poyastro Pinheiro1, Laura M Thornton, Katherine H Plotonicov
1Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7160, USA.
Objective:
To describe menstrual disturbance in eating disorders (ED).
Method:
We describe menstrual history in 1,705 women and compare eating, weight, and psychopathological traits across menstrual groups.
Results:
Menstrual dysfunction occurred across all eating disorder subtypes. Individuals with normal menstrual history and primary amenorrhea reported the highest and lowest lifetime body mass index (BMI), respectively. Normal menstruation and oligomenorrhea groups reported greater binge eating, vomiting, and appetite suppressant use. Amenorrhea was associated with lower caloric intake and higher exercise. Harm avoidance, novelty seeking, perfectionism, and obsessionality discriminated among menstrual status groups. No differences in comorbid Axis I and II disorders were observed.
Conclusion:
Menstrual dysfunction is not limited to any eating disorder subtype. BMI, caloric intake, and exercise were strongly associated with menstrual function. Menstrual status is not associated with comorbidity. Menstrual irregularity is an associated feature of all ED rather than being restricted to AN only.
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