Question 1

What is Eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder that severely impact physical health. They are caused by a combination of psychological, genetic, and environmental factors that lead to restrictive eating, purging behaviors, and severe malnutrition. The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test is the most important test for assessing hormonal complications from eating disorders.

Question 2

What causes eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction of genetic, biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Research shows that brain chemistry imbalances involving serotonin and dopamine, combined with genetic predisposition, play significant roles in development. Additionally, psychological factors like perfectionism, low self-esteem, trauma, and societal pressure about body image and weight contribute to these conditions. Family history of eating disorders or mental health conditions, along with dieting culture and social media influence, can trigger the onset of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.

Question 3

What is the best test for eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test is the most important blood test for eating disorders because it detects how malnutrition affects your hormonal balance and reproductive health. Both anorexia nervosa and bulimia are associated with elevated SHBG levels, which indicates the body is responding to nutritional deficiencies and severe weight loss. This test helps your healthcare provider monitor the physical complications of eating disorders and track how treatment is improving your hormonal function. While no blood test can diagnose an eating disorder itself, SHBG testing is essential for assessing the medical severity and guiding treatment plans that address both psychological and physical health needs.

Question 4

When should I get tested for eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you or a loved one exhibits restrictive eating patterns, frequent purging behaviors, excessive exercise despite fatigue, or noticeable weight changes. Additionally, consider testing if you experience missed menstrual periods, dizziness or fainting, extreme fatigue, hair loss, or obsessive thoughts about food, weight, and body image. Blood testing is particularly important when someone is in treatment for an eating disorder to monitor nutritional status and organ function, or when physical symptoms suggest that malnutrition is affecting hormone levels and overall health.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of eating disorders include both physical and behavioral signs. Physical symptoms include dramatic weight loss or fluctuations, fatigue, dizziness, cold intolerance, hair thinning, brittle nails, irregular or absent menstrual periods, and digestive problems. Behavioral signs include obsessive calorie counting, refusing to eat in public, frequent bathroom trips after meals, excessive exercise, hoarding or hiding food, and wearing baggy clothes to hide body shape. Emotional symptoms include intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, mood swings, social withdrawal, and preoccupation with food, dieting, and appearance.

Question 6

Who is at risk for eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for eating disorders include adolescents and young adults, particularly females, though males are increasingly affected. Athletes in sports emphasizing weight or appearance like gymnastics, ballet, wrestling, and running face elevated risk. Individuals with family history of eating disorders or mental health conditions, those with perfectionist or obsessive-compulsive personality traits, and people who have experienced trauma or abuse are more vulnerable. Additionally, people with type 1 diabetes, those in weight-focused professions like modeling or acting, and individuals exposed to diet culture or social media pressure about body image are at increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if eating disorders are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated eating disorders can lead to life-threatening medical complications affecting every organ system. Cardiovascular complications include irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Bone loss and osteoporosis can become permanent, increasing fracture risk throughout life. Severe malnutrition causes kidney failure, liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, and electrolyte imbalances that can be fatal. Reproductive health suffers with infertility and pregnancy complications. Additionally, untreated eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health condition, with death resulting from medical complications, suicide, or substance abuse. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment are critical for recovery and preventing permanent damage.

Question 8

Can eating disorders be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Eating disorders cannot be diagnosed with a blood test alone, as they are mental health conditions diagnosed through clinical evaluation, psychological assessment, and behavioral patterns. However, blood tests are vital for assessing the physical complications and medical severity of eating disorders. Tests like SHBG, complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, electrolytes, thyroid function, and vitamin levels help identify malnutrition effects, hormonal imbalances, organ dysfunction, and life-threatening complications. Blood testing guides medical treatment, monitors recovery progress, and helps healthcare providers address the physical damage caused by restrictive eating, purging, or binge eating behaviors.

Question 9

How are eating disorders treated?

Accepted Answer

Eating disorders require comprehensive treatment involving a multidisciplinary team including mental health professionals, physicians, and registered dietitians. Treatment typically combines psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or family-based therapy with nutritional counseling to restore healthy eating patterns and normalize weight. Medical monitoring addresses physical complications and may include medications for co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety. Severe cases may require hospitalization or residential treatment programs for medical stabilization and intensive therapy. Recovery is possible with appropriate treatment, though it often requires long-term support and relapse prevention strategies.

Question 10

How can I prevent eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of eating disorders involves promoting healthy relationships with food and body image from an early age. Focus on health and wellbeing rather than weight or appearance, avoid diet talk and body criticism, and encourage intuitive eating that honors hunger and fullness cues. Build self-esteem based on character and abilities rather than looks, limit exposure to unrealistic media images, and cultivate critical thinking about diet culture. Teach stress management and coping skills, maintain regular family meals without pressure or judgment, and seek early intervention if concerning eating behaviors emerge. Creating a supportive environment that values diversity in body shapes and sizes is essential for prevention.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

While eating disorders require professional medical and psychological treatment, certain supportive practices can complement professional care. Mindfulness and meditation help reduce anxiety around food and body image, while gentle yoga or movement practices can rebuild a positive relationship with your body without excessive exercise. Adequate sleep supports hormone regulation and emotional stability. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or supplements may support brain health and mood. Journaling helps process emotions and identify triggers. Support groups provide community and reduce isolation. However, these natural approaches should never replace professional treatment, as eating disorders are serious medical conditions requiring expert intervention, nutritional rehabilitation, and ongoing psychological support for full recovery.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Eating Disorders Blood Test

What is Eating disorders?

What causes eating disorders?

What is the best test for eating disorders?

When should I get tested for eating disorders?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask AI