Anorexia Nervosa

Tampon use in patients with anorexia nervosa can cause persistent vaginal bleeding: a case series

International Journal of Eating Disorders
By Philip S. Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS

Abstract

Objective: To describe the phenomenon of persistent vaginal bleeding in two patients with severe anorexia nervosa.

Method: We report two cases of young women with severe anorexia nervosa reporting vaginal bleeding that persisted for months despite trials of topical and systemic conjugated estrogen therapy.

Result: A speculum exam by a gynecologist ultimately revealed the source of the bleeding to be tampon-induced vaginal ulcers. These resolved, along with the vaginal bleeding, with vaginal estrogen cream and cessation of tampon use.

Discussion: Most patients with anorexia nervosa are amenorrheic due to reversion of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis to a prepubertal state. Vaginal bleeding in patients with anorexia nervosa may trigger needless systemic hormonal treatments, radiographic studies, and multiple physician visits. A careful exam is warranted to evaluate for the presence of tampon-induced vaginal ulcer in patients with anorexia nervosa who have persistent vaginal bleeding.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.20861
Written by
Philip S. Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS

Philip S. Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS

Dr. Philip Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS founded the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition in 2001 and serves as its Executive Medical Director. He began his career at Denver…

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