The effects of exogenous and endogenous gonadal hormones and hormonal sensitivity on eating disorder symptoms

Abstract

A previous study found that a history of oral contraceptive (OC) side effects was associated with greater body dissatisfaction and eating dysfunction (Bird & Oinonen, 2011). This finding contributes to the growing body of research that suggests an etiological role for gonadal hormones in eating disorder (ED) symptoms. The purpose of this study was to further examine: (a) the relationship between OC use and ED symptoms using a prospective design, and (b) the relationship between levels of endogenous gonadal hormones and ED symptoms. Six-hundred-forty-two female participants completed a questionnaire examining OC experiences, body dissatisfaction, and eating dysfunction.