 Posted 06/07/2010 14:39:00
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| Hello I'd be grateful for any information you had on osteoporosis/penia and anorexia. Is weight gain and period restoration still the recommendation for restoring bones loss - I have been told that however much calcium or treatment I take it is hormones that will help with bone restoration (which I'm told is possible with osteoporosis from an eating disorder)! Also, can you advise on exercises that should not be done if osteoporosis is in the spine. i.e. are crunches/sit ups safe? Many thanks, this forum is a wonderful idea!
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Posted 07/07/2010 13:58:08
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Hi Ella
Recommendations for treatment will vary depending on each person’s situation. Research shows that the hormone oestrogen has a protective effect on bone cells encouraging the process of bone renewal to continue at a healthy rate. The natural production of this (and other) hormones will eventually drop to very low levels if a person’s body weight becomes very low. This then means that as well as bodily functions such as menstruation ceasing (and the impact that this has on fertility) bone cells aren’t being protected and the rate of bone deterioration increases. If you can increase your body weight to the point where periods return then this would suggest a return to normal hormone levels and better protection against further bone deterioration. Obviously calcium is still very important as your bones also need good nutrition to stay healthy. This link http://www.nos.org.uk/NetCommunity/document.doc?id=393 takes you to the charity’s leaflet on anorexia nervosa and osteoporosis which you may find useful.If someone has a very fragile spine with a high risk of fractures then forward bending (as if to touch the toes – whether standing or sitting) may be best avoided. Very high impact activities that may jolt and jar the spine, and heavy lifting should also be avoided. Pages 18-21 of our booklet ‘All about osteoporosis’ (http://www.nos.org.uk/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=854&doctitle=All%20About%20Osteoporosis&docid=380) has a useful section on exercise which may also be of help.
Best wishesHelpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society
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