Disordered Eating Behaviors, Intentional and Unintentional, Can Heighten Women's Risk for Fertility Challenges
Eating Recovery Center Shares Advice to Help Women Recognize and Address Eating and Exercise Behaviors That May Be Contributing to Fertility Issues
(firmenpresse) - DENVER, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/11/13 -- Women seeking answers to fertility challenges frequently look to reproductive issues as the primary source of problems. However, few women are aware that their own eating or exercise behaviors -- past or current -- may actually be a contributing factor in their inability to conceive. Eating Recovery Center, an international center providing comprehensive treatment for eating disorders, often observes women seeking after unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant. For this reason, Eating Recovery Center urges women to evaluate their patterns of eating and exercise for possible disordered behaviors before making the decision to start -- or expand -- a family.
Studies confirm the unfortunate connection between eating disorders and fertility issues. A 2000 survey of women attending a fertility clinic revealed that among women with irregular or absent menstrual periods, 58 percent had an eating disorder. Furthermore, none of these women volunteered this information without prompting. Another study featured in the journal Fertility and Sterility looked at a group of women with unexplained infertility who restricted calories for vanity reasons, but did not meet the criteria for an eating disorders diagnosis. When these women increased their body weight and caloric intake, 73 percent of them quickly conceived.
"An active eating disorder can significantly impair a woman's ability to conceive, as can unhealthy behaviors including starving, bingeing, purging or over exercising that may have occurred over prolonged periods of time in the past," said Ken Weiner, MD, FAED, CEDS, founding partner and chief executive officer of Eating Recovery Center. "Despite the clear connection between eating disordered behaviors and infertility illustrated by the research in the field, many women struggling to get pregnant hide their disordered eating behaviors -- past or present -- from their OB-GYNs and fertility specialists."
. Many women make changes to their diet and exercise patterns in an effort to be healthier while trying to conceive. However, if women have a family history of eating disorders or a personal history of disordered eating, these seemingly healthful changes could trigger disordered eating behaviors for those with a genetic predisposition toward developing an eating disorder.
. Although irregular or absent menstruation can be caused by a variety of factors not related to diet, weight or exercise, restricting calories or excessive exercising behaviors may play a role in irregular menstruation and contribute to fertility challenges. Additionally, it is important to understand that eating or exercise behaviors can impact the menstrual cycles of women even if they are of normal or healthy weight. Many people mistakenly believe that women must have experienced significant weight loss and/or be of very low weight for irregular or absent periods to occur.
Concerns about eating or exercise behaviors and the possible impact of these behaviors on fertility should be directed to an OB-GYN, fertility specialist, family doctor, therapist, dietitian or . These healthcare professionals can help women determine whether behaviors may be fertility-impeding, as well as identify an appropriate course of treatment if necessary. Remember that healthcare professionals need all relevant information to make accurate diagnoses and help their patients.
. While an active eating disorder cannot only lead to infertility, it can also contribute to miscarriage, low birth weight and other dangerous complications for mother and child upon becoming pregnant. Therapeutic intervention and medical monitoring can be integral components in supporting healthy pregnancies for individuals that are able to conceive.
"It is incredibly important that women be transparent regarding their eating disorders struggles in order for reproductive healthcare professionals to effectively diagnose fertility issues and prescribe a treatment plan that meets each individual's unique needs," added Dr. Weiner. "Because eating disorders are often shrouded in shame and secrecy, it is equally important that healthcare providers be aware of the connection between eating disorders and fertility, and that they learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of eating disorders in their patients."
For more information about infertility, pregnancy and eating disorders, approaching a loved one displaying troublesome , broaching the topic of eating disorders with a doctor or effective eating disorders treatment, visit .
Eating Recovery Center is an international center providing comprehensive , bulimia, EDNOS and binge eating disorder. Under the leadership of Drs. Kenneth Weiner, Craig Johnson, Emmett Bishop and Ovidio Bermudez, programs provide a full spectrum of services for children, adolescents and adults that includes Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services. Our compassionate team of professionals collaborates with treating professionals and loved ones to cultivate lasting behavioral change. Denver-based facilities include the , the , the , and the . In an effort to increase patient access to care throughout the United States, Eating Recovery Center partners with Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program in Sacramento, Cali., and The Moore Center for Eating Disorders in Bellevue, Wash. Summit offers Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services, as well as Outpatient Services in Fresno. The Moore Center offers Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services. For more information, please contact us at 877-218-1344 or or confidentially chat live on our website at .
Molly Koch
Communications Strategy Group
(303) 433-7020
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Datum: 11.07.2013 - 15:11 Uhr
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