Adolescent Bone Loss: A Threat with Potentially Devastating Consequences

Adolescent bone loss has become a topic of discussion in the medical community over the past few years. Bone loss and osteoporosis are conditions that are generally attributed to post-menopausal women, and many people do not consider it an issue for younger women. During the adolescent years, in normal cases, the body is still building bone mass, adding to the "bone bank" that will be the body’s foundation for the rest of the person’s life. At this age, children are generally still drinking a lot of milk, fortifying their bones with calcium.

However, not all adolescents follow the typical path of building bone density. Some are born with a genetic condition, called osteopenia imperfecta, which results in thin, brittle bones. There is nothing that can be done to prevent or cure osteopenia imperfecta, as it is not caused by nutritional deficiencies. However, there are two causes of adolescent bone loss that can be prevented and cured: anorexia nervosa and the use of Depro Provera.

Prevent Adolescent Bone Loss and Preserve Future Mobility

Studies have shown that the use of Depro Provera in pre-menopausal woman, and particularly in adolescent girls, can lead to a decrease in bone density. Adolescent bone loss from taking Depro Provera is primarily a concern for long-term users, but the problem reverses itself once the drug has been stopped. Additionally, no correlation has been shown between the length of time the drug is taken and the degree of bone loss.

The other major, preventable cause of adolescent bone loss is anorexia nervosa. This condition affects approximately one in every 100 girls between the ages of 16 and 18 years. The relationship between anorexia nervosa and the decrease in bone density is not exactly known, although it seems it is likely due to malnutrition and a deficiency in estrogen. This is similar to the estrogen deficiency in post-menopausal women, but the decrease in bone density is much more severe in anorexic girls.

Knowing that these two factors lead to bone loss in adolescents is a powerful weapon. If a patient must be put on Depro Provera, or if the patient is recovering from anorexia nervosa, an increase in calcium and vitamin D, usually including a calcium supplement, can help to minimize the severity of adolescent bone loss.