Abstract
Previous research suggests a link between gonadal hormones and eating disorder symptomatology. This study examined the role
of gonadal hormones and hormonal sensitivity in eating disorder (ED) symptoms by using oral contraceptive (OC) side effect
history as an indicator of hormonal sensitivity. A questionnaire containing two scales of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2
and an OC side effect scale was completed by 174 healthy women who had used OCs. Histories of emotional and physical OC side
effects were evaluated as predictors of body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. Women with a history of negative OC side
effects had higher levels of ED symptoms. After controlling for body mass index (BMI) and depression scores, OC side effect
history remained a significant predictor of body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. The experience of OC side effects
may indicate a greater risk for increased eating disorder symptoms. The findings provide further support for a hormonal link
to ED symptoms, as women who are more “sensitive” to exogenous gonadal hormones also experience more ED symptoms.
of gonadal hormones and hormonal sensitivity in eating disorder (ED) symptoms by using oral contraceptive (OC) side effect
history as an indicator of hormonal sensitivity. A questionnaire containing two scales of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2
and an OC side effect scale was completed by 174 healthy women who had used OCs. Histories of emotional and physical OC side
effects were evaluated as predictors of body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. Women with a history of negative OC side
effects had higher levels of ED symptoms. After controlling for body mass index (BMI) and depression scores, OC side effect
history remained a significant predictor of body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. The experience of OC side effects
may indicate a greater risk for increased eating disorder symptoms. The findings provide further support for a hormonal link
to ED symptoms, as women who are more “sensitive” to exogenous gonadal hormones also experience more ED symptoms.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s00737-011-0229-z
- Authors
- Jessica L. Bird, Health, Hormones, and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
- Kirsten A. Oinonen, Health, Hormones, and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
- Journal Archives of Women’s Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1435-1102
- Print ISSN 1434-1816