Percentage body fat by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is associated with menstrual recovery in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

Purpose: To evaluate mediators of resumption of menses (ROM) in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN).
Methods: Anthropometrics, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, hormonal studies, and responses to mental health screens were obtained at 6-month intervals for 18 months in 37 adolescents with AN randomized to the placebo arm of a double-blind treatment trial. Outcomes were compared between subjects with menstrual recovery and those without.
Results: Twenty-four subjects (65%) had ROM. Higher percentage body fat was associated with ROM (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.06, 1.33; p < .01), as was body mass index and percent median body weight. Estradiol ≥30 ng/mL alone did not predict menses (p = .08) but was associated with ROM when coupled with percent mean body weight (odds ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.09, 5.65; p = .03). Changes in leptin, cortisol, and mental health were not associated with return of menses.
Conclusions: Percentage body fat may be an additional, useful clinical assessment to follow in caring for adolescents with AN.
(Copyright © 2014 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)