R. Selzer et al., THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SECONDARY AMENORRHEA AND COMMON EATING-DISORDERED WEIGHT CONTROL PRACTICES IN AN ADOLESCENT POPULATION, Journal of adolescent health, 19(1), 1996, pp. 56-61
Purpose: This study examined the relative importance of low weight, in
contrast with other symptoms of eating disorder, as a determinant of
amenorrhea. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of student
s at Year 10 (mean age 15.0 years) attending 43 schools in the state o
f Victoria. Amenorrhea and symptoms of eating disorder were assessed u
sing the Branched Eating Disorders Test, administered through the medi
um of a notebook computer. Results: The survey response rate was 84% (
n = 886). A total of 23% (n = 205) reported either fasting or purging
in the previous month. Secondary amenorrhea of at least 3 months durat
ion was reported by 4.1% (n = 35). No statistically significant associ
ation was found between amenorrhea and body mass index. In contrast, 4
0% of amenorrheic subjects reported fasting or purging (P = .03), an a
ssociation most evident in the heaviest subjects. Conclusion: These fi
nding suggests that secondary amenorrhea may develop in normal and abo
ve-weight teenagers who engage in eating disordered weight control pra
ctices.