At Home with Dr Christian Jessen - 383

| ORTHOPAEDICS|

'I had
advanced
bone
thinning'
JULIE PORTER, 59, FROM LONDON
WAS DIAGNOSED WITH
OSTEOPOROSIS AFTER A SCAN

adults with coeliac disease. See
your GP if you're experiencing
symptoms such as back pain, loss
of height or developing a stoop.
However, many people have no
symptoms until their first fracture;
so if you have a family history of
osteoporosis, or are at high risk for
other reasons, visit your GP and
ask about a bone-density scan.

M ED IC AT IO N S
T O HEL P Y OU

The eating disorder
connection
Young people - especially women - can develop
osteoporosis if they're malnourished. This is common
in cases of extreme dieting or eating disorders such
as anorexia, when lack of calcium and other nutrients
means they haven't built up their bones sufficiently.
Bones are irreversibly weakened and vulnerable to
fractures, even from a minor bump or awkward turn.
'Bone thinning can occur at any age if you're not
careful with your diet,' says dietician, Alana MacDonald.
'If you think you might have an eating disorder, or
you've gone through a period of extremely low-calorie
intake in the past, ask your doctor about your risk.'

nutrients. Some experts believe
that carbonated (fizzy) drinks
increase bone loss, but the jury's
currently out on that one.

KN O W Y O U R
RISK FAC T O RS

Being underweight, having a history
of eating disorders, starting your
periods late, or having an early
menopause can all raise your risk
of osteoporosis (see The Eating
Disorder Connection, left).
You're also more vulnerable if you
have a malabsorption condition, such
as coeliac disease or Crohn's disease,
because the damaged lining of the
gut is less able to absorb the nutrients
needed for strong bones. Low bone
density is common in children and

If you do happen to be diagnosed
with osteoporosis, there are
medications that can help to
slow down the deterioration
- most commonly, a group of
drugs called bisphosphonates
(these may be delivered by drip).
HRT also offers some protection
after the menopause (see The
Menopause Connection, on pg 73).
Take steps to improve your diet
too, and speak to your specialist
about an exercise plan that's safe
and appropriate for you to follow.
'Stay aware and don't allow your
current bone density to drop lower
than it already has,' warns Alana.
'Incorporating vitamin D, calcium
and magnesium into your diet
and boosting your exercise will
help maintain bone strength.'

WORDS: CATHERINE FRANCIS, GEORGINA MARIC | PHOTOGRAPHS: GETTY IMAGES

'REGULAR SESSIONS
OF WEIGHT-BEARING
EXERCISE IS KNOWN
TO HELP MAINTAIN
BONE TISSUE'

'I suffered several small fractures and my
back was often sore, so my GP referred
me for a bone-density scan. It showed
that I had advanced bone thinning
(osteoporosis) in my hips and spine.
'I was shocked to learn this as I'd
always eaten quite well and been
active, and there was no family history
of osteoporosis. However, I was told
that it might be connected to an
emergency hysterectomy I'd had after
a difficult birth, which led to premature
menopause at the age of 37.
'I now take medication to help prevent
any further bone loss. I also make sure
I eat plenty of calcium-rich foods.'

74 | MARCH 2015

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23/01/2015 11:01
At Home with Dr Christian Jessen

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