Glandular Problems
People with eating disorders frequently have glandular problems. A gland is an organ in an animal’s body that synthesizes a substance for release such as hormones or breast milk, often into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland).
People with eating disorders frequently have glandular problems related to their endocrine glands. The endocrine glands affect hormones and imbalances can be very disruptive.
Almost all women with anorexia stop menstruating, and many have glandular disorders leading to low levels of estrogen. Bulimia can cause glandular problems as well. Besides the imbalance caused by malnutrition, vomiting can cause pancreatic, esophageal, dental, and glandular problems, according to the Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence.
Eating disorders can affect pituitary glands, salivary glands and more, affecting one’s appearance, immune system, and ability to function as a healthy person. Glandular problems can disrupt many systems within the body.
Eating Disorder Self Test. Take the EAT-26 self test to see if you might have eating disorder symptoms that might require professional evaluation. All answers are confidential.