Osteoporosis and osteopenia can happen to anyone at any age. Both can lead to serious illness and disability if left untreated. However, lifestyle changes and medications can help prevent, treat and in some cases reverse these diseases. The first step includes understanding what happens to the body with these two conditions and learning about the necessary steps to help manage them.
Identification
During childhood and young adult years old bones cells constantly break down and are replaced with new bone. Between the ages 20 to 30-peak bone mass occurs states the National Osteoporosis Foundation. After this point, old bone can break down faster than it becomes replaced. If too people lose too much bone, the bones can become porous, frail and susceptible to fractures. Osteopenia or a small loss of bone mass, signals an increased risk of osteoporosis. Once a significant amount of bone mass is lost, the patient can receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis and their risk of fractures and other health problems increases.
Diagnosis
Osteopenia and osteoporosis can exist without causing any symptoms. This is why it remains essential to have regular bone density tests to detect these conditions before a fracture occurs. A bone density test can help to diagnosis bone loss in the osteopenia stage when the loss is minor. A bone density test measures the amount of calcium and other minerals in the bones to determine the strength of various bones. The results are given in T scores and Z scores. The T score compares a person's bone density results to a young and healthy person. The Z score tells how the results measure up against others of the same age. According to the National Institutes of Health a T score between -1 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia or the beginning of bone loss. A T score below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis or significant bone loss. The lower this number goes the more severe the osteoporosis. For example, a T score of -3.5 indicates more bone loss than -2.5.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for osteoporosis and osteopenia are the same. If there are risk factors present, the goal includes getting regular bone density tests and taking steps to lower the risk. One of the main risk factors is age. With age and menopause the body's production of estrogen drops. Since estrogen helps keep the bones strong, without enough estrogen the bones can become frail. A family history of this condition, having a thin or small frame, long-term use of corticosteroids and thyroid problems can also rob the bones of strength. The University of Michigan claims that individuals can control some risk factors including low body weight, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and a diet low in calcium. Having risk factors does not mean that disease is inevitable; it just means the risk for it proves higher and individuals should take steps to lower the risk.
Treatment
The John's Hopkins website recommends bone density testing because osteopenia itself is not a disease. Rather it is a warning sign that the bones have started to become frail and that an increased risk of developing osteoporosis exists. While medications can help to slow and reverse bone loss, they may not be necessary in every case of osteopenia. This differs from osteoporosis, which often requires medication especially in the severe stages. Many medications available can treat osteoporosis; however, lifestyle changes will still be necessary. A physician can combine test results, overall health and personal risk factors to determine the best approach.
Prevention/Solution
Prevention remains key for both osteopenia and osteoporosis. The Harvard Medical School website states that it becomes important to get at least 30 minutes of weight bearing exercise on most days of the week. Weight bearing exercise includes any activity that makes the bones bear body weight. In addition, it remains vitally important to get the right amount of calcium and vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. A physician or registered dietitian can suggest the right amount based on age, gender and overall health. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption will also help to lower the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
References
- National Osteoporosis Foundation: Fast Facts on Osteoporosis
- National Institutes of Health: Bone Mineral Density Test
- University of Michigan Health System: What is Osteoporosis? What is Osteopenia?
- John's Hopkins: When Should You Treat Osteopenia?
- Harvard Medical School: Osteopenia: When You Have Weak Bones, but not Osteoporosis
