Why is bone density important?
Low bone density is a common problem for adolescents with Eating Disorders and malnutrition, especially for females who have stopped having periods. This problem can be severe enough to cause fractures, or osteoporosis, even in adolescence. A bone density test will be recommended for those adolescents assessed at the Eating Disorders Clinic who are at risk of having low bone density. This is performed at at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. A more detailed information sheet is provided for those patients who are booked to have the test. During adolescence bone density normally increases with age and this is important for gaining bone strength for the rest of adult life. To complete the assessment, a second bone density test will usually be required twelve months after the first test. Results of the bone density tests are available two weeks after the test, and will be explained at the next appointment. If it is some time before the next appointment we will telephone through the results.
