[Daily profiles of melatonin, cortisol and gonadotropins in 8 adolescents with anorexia nervosa].

From a biological study of 8 patients with anorexia nervosa and an analysis of the daily profiles of gonadotropins, cortisol and melatonin, the authors discuss the possible relationship between anorexia nervosa and affective disorders. At the initial phase of the illness, plasmatic levels of FSH, LH and oestradiol were very low. 24-hour plasma cortisol values were comparable with those of a depressive population; when weight loss was equal to or higher than 25% of the initial weight, there was no suppression by dexamethasone. The daily profile of melatonin was maintained, with melatonin plasma levels significatively higher than in a control group of depressed patients.