Binge Eating Risk During Midlife and the Menopausal Transition: Sensitivity to Ovarian Hormones as Potential Mechanisms of Risk

Purpose of Review Recent research suggests that binge eating may be more prevalent among women in midlife than previously believed. The menopausal transition, an important developmental stage during midlife, is characterized by substantial fluctuations and eventual decreases in ovarian hormones that may contribute to increased risk. This narrative review summarizes findings from studies of binge eating during midlife and menopause and discusses the potential role of ovarian hormones in binge eating risk.Recent Findings Studies are few in number and findings are mixed, with only some studies showing increased binge eating during midlife and the menopausal transition. Sensitivity to ovarian hormones, potentially through gene x hormone interactions, may influence who experiences increased binge eating risk and could help explain mixed findings in the field.Summary Future studies of hormone sensitivity and gene x hormone interactions are needed to further elucidate midlife and menopausal risk for binge eating in women.