Predictors of recovery of ovarian function after weight gain in subjects with amenorrhea related to restrictive eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the anthropometric and endocrine characteristics of subjects with amenorrhea related to eating disorders after weight recovery, in order to identify factors connected with the resumption of menses.

METHODS: Clinical data, body composition parameters and serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, cortisol, leptin and insulin were assessed in two groups of young women classified according to menstrual status after weight rehabilitation: 43 subjects who displayed persistent amenorrhea and 34 who resumed menses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between the different parameters and menstrual recovery.

RESULTS: The patients who resumed menses had low initial weight and BMI, and a greater difference between current and initial BMI (DeltaBMI), than those with amenorrhea. No differences were observed in lean mass, body fat or bone density between the two groups. Moreover, the reduction in FSH and the increase in LH, insulin and leptin emerged as significant predictors of menstrual recovery. Increased DeltaBMI and insulin continued to be positive predictors in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION: Following weight rehabilitation, the individual's metabolic set point before weight loss and the current insulin levels appear significant in predicting the reactivation of reproductive function.