Which endocrine complication is associated with anorexia nervosa?

Hypogonadism is associated with anorexia nervosa due to the body's response to significant weight loss and malnutrition. In individuals with anorexia nervosa, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is disrupted due to low body weight and energy availability. This disruption leads to decreased production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, which in turn results in reduced secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. Consequently, there is a decrease in ovarian or testicular function, leading to low levels of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which constitutes hypogonadism. Clinically, this condition can manifest as amenorrhea in females or decreased libido and testicular atrophy in males.

The other options do not accurately capture the typical endocrine disturbances seen in anorexia nervosa. Increased thyroid hormones, for instance, are typically not seen; in fact, hypothyroidism and decreased thyroid function can occur due to undernutrition. Elevated blood sugar levels are not a common feature; rather, individuals may experience hypoglycemia due to inadequate caloric intake. Increased adrenaline is also not a standard hormonal change found in