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Variation in reproductive outcomes of women with histories of bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, or eating disorder not otherwise specified relative to the general population and closest‐aged sisters
Author(s) -
Tabler Jennifer,
Utz Rebecca L.,
Smith Ken R.,
Hanson Heidi A.,
Geist Claudia
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.22827
Subject(s) - bulimia nervosa , anorexia nervosa , eating disorders , not otherwise specified , population , medicine , demography , psychology , psychiatry , pediatrics , sociology , environmental health
Objective This study seeks to examine the long‐term reproductive consequences of eating disorders (ED), to assess variation in reproductive outcomes by ED type, and to examine reproductive differences between women with previous ED diagnosis and their discordant sisters. Method Using a sample of women with previous ED diagnosis generated by the Utah Population Database, this study compares the fecundity (parity) and age at first birth of women by ED subtype (bulimia nervosa [BN], anorexia nervosa [AN], and ED not otherwise specified [EDNOS]) ( n = 1,579). We also employed general population match case–control, and discordant sibling pair analyses, to estimate the magnitude of association between EDs and reproductive outcomes. Results Women previously diagnosed with AN or EDNOS experienced delayed first birth (HRR = 0.33, HRR = 0.34, respectively) and lower parity (IRR = 0.19, IRR = 0.22, respectively) relative to BN ( p < .05), the general population ( p < .05), and closest‐aged sisters ( p < .05). Women previously diagnosed with BN experienced more moderate reductions and delays to their reproduction, and had similar reproductive outcomes as their discordant sisters. Discussion Clinicians should consider ED type and family fertility histories when addressing the long‐term reproductive health needs of women with prior AN, BN, or EDNOS diagnosis. Women previously diagnosed with AN or EDNOS likely experience the greatest reductions and delays in reproduction across their lifespan. Reproductive health screenings may be especially critical for the wellbeing of women with a history of AN or EDNOS.