Sex hormones affect binge eating and bulimia

Sex hormones like estrogen and androgen may increase the likelihood of binge eating and bulimia nervosa by affecting the brain's response to food cues. Research suggests these hormones influence disinhibition of response to food cues, a common symptom in both binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. Sex differences are noted, particularly in bulimia nervosa, with varying adolescent risks for males and females. Heritability also contributes to risk, with androgens potentially posing a greater risk for females during adolescence. Differences in aromatase, an enzyme regulating sex hormones, may also play a role.