METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE INVESTIGATIONS IN WOMEN OF NORMAL WEIGHT WITH THE BULIMIA SYNDROME

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 18  (3) , 355-365
Abstract
Bulimia is a disorder characterized by episodes of binge-eating. Patients with this problem consume large amounts of food when binge-eating and subsequently, to avoid weight gain, usually self-induce vomiting or induce diarrhea with laxatives. Metabolic and endocrine investigations in 6 bulimic subjects of normal weight are reported. Normal fasting plasma glucose concentrations and glucose tolerance were present in all. Five subjects had normal serum T4 [thyroxine] and T3 [triiodothyronine] concentrations. Only 1 subject had depressed serum T4 and T3 concentrations and this subject had a normal serum TSH level. Menstrual irregularities were present in all patients and in 3 were associated with modestly elevated serum prolactin levels. In 4 subjects there was an abnormal increase in serum growth hormone following TRH administration and in 3, growth hormone failed to suppress normally after oral glucose. Two subjects had a hypokalimic metabolic alkalosis, presumably due to vomiting. Urinary 17-hydroxysteroid excretion and urinary concentrating ability were normal or nearly so in all subjects.