Overview of Anorexia Nervosa VIDEO Pathophysiology of Anorexia Nervosa Endocrine abnormalities are common in anorexia nervosa; they include Low levels of gonadal hormones Mildly reduced levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) Increased cortisol secretion Menses usually cease, but cessation of menses is no longer a criterion for diagnosis.