[Gonadal function in anorexia nervosa patients in the postcritical phase]

Resuming of menstruation is generally held as a hall mark of recovery in Anorexia Nervosa. Nevertheless, fifteen young women (17 to 28 years old) consulted us about secondary amenorrhea while the acute phase of illness was over. Basal gonadotropins and Estradiol (E2) were measured and a GnRH- TRH stimulation test was performed. Two groups of patients were considered: A - 7 patients with a normal Body Weight Index; B - 8 patients with a Body Weight Index still low. (- 20% - 30%). In group A, 6 out of 7 patients had a early onset of anorexia nervosa (within two years after menarche). In group B, 6 out of 8 patients had a late onset of their disease (more than five years after puberty). As for Body Weight, it seems that the prognosis is better when Anorexia Nervosa occurs within few years after menarche. By comparison with normal women of same age explored in early follicular phase, our population of Anorexia Nervosa showed no significant difference in basal levels of F.S.H., L.H., E2. Cumulative Response F.S. H./L.H. was slightly increased (= 1) compared with normal control (= 0,34). Basal and stimulated Prl were normal. When Body Weight Index was still low, LH and E2 were decreased whereas cumulative response F.S. H./L.H. was dramatically increased. A correlation between E2 and Body Weight Index was shown, low E2 usually fitting well with Low Body Weight Index. Prognosis is poorer for recovery of normal gonadal function in late onset Anorexia Nervosa. Nevertheless, in each group, some patients escaped this rule. Induction of ovulation with Clomifene let us disappointed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)