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Updated: May 13, 2026
04:14
In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse
Published on: October 6, 2023
Thyroid Hormone Use in Individuals With Eating Disorders
Dennis Gibson1,2, Dan V Blalock3,4, Marina Foster1
1ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition at Denver Health, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Summary
Many individuals with eating disorders misuse thyroid hormone, leading to abnormal thyroid function tests. This highlights a critical need for increased awareness and intervention by healthcare providers.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Eating disorders share clinical symptoms with hypothyroidism, increasing the risk of thyroid hormone misuse.
- Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis are common in individuals with eating disorders.
- Compensatory behaviors in eating disorders can involve thyroid hormone manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of thyroid hormone use in individuals with eating disorders.
- To assess the impact of thyroid hormone use on thyroid function tests in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, descriptive study design.
- Chart review of 341 individuals admitted for medical stabilization of eating disorders.
Main Results:
- 10.6% of the study cohort reported using thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
- Thyroid hormone use was significantly associated with lower serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
- Abnormal free thyroxine levels were more frequent in individuals using thyroid hormones.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid hormone use is more prevalent in individuals with eating disorders than expected based on general population data.
- Observed TSH levels suggest a risk of excessive thyroid hormone dosing among users.
- Eating disorder providers should inquire about thyroid hormone use to identify opportunities for intervention and treatment.
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