Case-control study, 2003
Do bulimia symptoms change across menstrual cycle phases?
Yes, bulimia symptoms worsen in mid-luteal and premenstrual phases compared to other cycle phases. The study is very small with only 8 women, so results need confirmation.
What they did
Eight women with bulimia nervosa and eight control women collected daily saliva samples for five consecutive weeks (one full menstrual cycle) and recorded mood and binge-purge episodes.
What they found
Bulimia symptoms were significantly worse in mid-luteal and premenstrual phases than in follicular and ovulatory phases. Cortisol fluctuation was closely correlated with symptom fluctuation (r=0.64, p=0.001).
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle affects bulimia symptom severity, linked to cortisol changes. The main limitation is the very small sample of only 8 women with bulimia, so broader applicability is unclear.
8
women with bulimia
5 weeks
study duration
r=0.64
cortisol-symptom correlation
About the study
- Original title
- Symptom fluctuation in bulimia nervosa: relation to menstrual-cycle phase and cortisol levels
- Authors
- Lester NA, Keel PK, Lipson SF
- Journal
- Psychological medicine
- Year
- 2003
- Study design
- Case-control study
- What was tested
- None - observational study over one menstrual cycle
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1017/s0033291702006815
Topics
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