title: Steroid metabolism and excretion in anorexia nervosa.
abstract: Few organ systems are spared the progressive deterioration seen in critically ill patients with anorexia nervosa. Most of the endocrine disturbances discussed are due to starvation and represent appropriate metabolic adaptation of the body to food restriction and negative energy balance. In a starving patient, a lowered metabolic rate, increased cortisol and growth hormone level and reduced fertility are all appropriate adaptations to an abnormal and highly stressful state. Most metabolic abnormalities can be reversed with a well-planned refeeding program and nutritional recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Bedford Hospital NHS Trust, Kempston Road, MK42 9DJ Bedford, United Kingdom. ws.wassif@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Wassif Samuel
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Wassif
authors.forename: Andrew Rashad
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D013256:Steroids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids