The Role of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) in Low Bone Mass in Anorexia Nervosa
The Role of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) in Low Bone Mass in Anorexia Nervosa
Decreased bone strength is a common and serious medical problem present in many women with
 anorexia nervosa, or disordered eating. Women with decreased bone strength are more likely to
 suffer broken bones than women with normal bone strength.

 We are investigating whether a hormone that is naturally produced by the human body --
 parathyroid hormone (PTH) -- can help strengthen the bones of women with anorexia nervosa.
Anorexia Nervosa affects 0.5-1% of college-age women in the US and is associated with a
 number of significant medical conditions including bone loss. A majority of women with
 anorexia nervosa have bone loss and 50% have bone mineral density measurements greater than 2
 standard deviations below normative means. Bone loss in anorexia nervosa is characterized by
 a decrease in bone formation, therefore therapy with an anabolic agent may be an effective
 treatment approach. In a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, we will study
 the effects of parathyroid hormone on low bone mass in anorexia nervosa, specifically looking
 at the effects of parathyroid hormone on bone mineral density (primary outcome).
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Anorexia Nervosa

 -  Women, age 30-70 years

 -  Osteoporosis or history of clinical fractures (spine, wrist, hip or ribs)

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Diseases known to affect bone metabolism

 -  Hyperparathyroidism

 -  Medications known to affect bone metabolism in last 12 weeks (or bisphosphonate use in
 last 1 year)

 -  Pregnant and/or breastfeeding

 -  Diabetes mellitus

 -  History of malignancy involving or affecting the bone, any active malignancy, and/or
 radiation therapy to the bone

 -  Fractures of a bone other than a finger or toe in last 1 year