Osteopenia In Anorexia Nervosa
Can It Lead To Osteporosis?

Osteopenia is a condition that refers to some degree of bone density loss, but not as severe as in osteoporosis. Is treatment more complicated when factors like anorexia, malnutrition, or other eating disorders are added to the mix?

What is osteopenia? Its name is taken from the Greek "osteon" (bone) and "penia" (poverty).

Though not medically considered to be a "disease", it is the first step along the road to osteoporosis.

Due to the lack of calcium and phosphorus, bones become extremely thin and full of holes. Porous bones are prone to fractures.

Diagnosing osteopenia most often involves doing a bone mineral density test by way of a DXA scan (or DEXA scan).

It's not painful at all. In fact, some people compare it to getting an x-ray. This test will measure your bone mineral density (BMD).

The results are known as your T-score, and a reading between -1 and -2.5 is considered to be within the range of osteopenia.

There are other ways to test for osteopenia/osteoporosis, such as ultrasound or x-ray of the heel, but the accuracy of these readings remains controversial, especially when anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders are involved.

What Is The Cause Of Osteopenia?

The aging process itself is a cause of osteopenia that often leads directly to osteoporosis.

Bones are at their greatest strength between the ages of 20 and 35, but then they weaken as we get older.

The hormone estrogen helps keep our bones strong, but after menopause, women produce less estrogen than they used to.

Anorexic girls (and women) also tend to have very low levels of estrogen. This may accelerate the disease and it could become very serious - even disabling.

Some other causes of osteopenia (osteoporosis) are:

• Smoking
• Certain medications
• Frequent or extreme dieting (though not necessarily an eating disorder)
• Illness or surgery; certain medical conditions
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Alcoholism
• Liver disease
• Lack of exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises
• Kidney failure
• Lack of calcium in the diet - (Learn about calcium deficiency)

Osteopenia Treatment

Treatment for osteopenia can take on several different forms. In the case of anorexia nervosa, or other eating disorders, redistributing your body fat to a normal range will help restore bone mass.

Reversing this disease partially involves a diet that includes calcium rich foods in conjunction with adequate amounts of Vitamin D.

Weight bearing exercises like walking, stair climbing or dancing are often suggested. However, people with anorexia are at risk for heart disorders (such as heart arrhythmia), so any exercise should only be done under the direct supervision and/or recommendation of your physician.

Exercise may also delay weight gain, which is necessary for recovery. These are some issues that are unique to people with eating disorders, and your specialized medical team will be able to help you find the right balance.

Other osteopenia treatments include:

• Estrogen supplements
• Other supplements such as Caltrate
• Full nutritional support from a nutritionist or dietitian
• Medications, such as glucocoticoid or Fosamax
• Alternative medicine (herbal treatments, etc.)
• Prescription food (Fosteum)

Remember, while it is possible to reverse this, once the condition progresses into osteoporosis, there is no cure. However, following the proper recommendations from your doctor should help prevent further bone loss, and perhaps restore some bone density.

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