Osteopenia is the term used for bones that have become less dense than normal, but have not lost enough density to be considered osteoporosis. Being diagnosed with osteopenia may be a warning sign that the bones are beginning to become frail. At this stage, however, steps can still be taken to help prevent more serious bone loss. If the bones become frail they may fracture easily, which can lead to complications.
Bones are living structures that grow and change throughout life. Old bone is constantly being broken down and replaced by new bone. During childhood and up to about age 20, new bone tissue is laid down faster than old bone tissue is broken down, states the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Peak bone mass is usually achieved by age 30. Then starting around mid life, bone starts to be broken down faster then it is replaced. This process speeds up in women after menopause since levels of the hormone estrogen, which protects the bones, drop. If too much bone is lost, then disease occurs.
Diagnosis
The amount of bone density present is easily tested through a bone density test, which is also called a densitometry or DXA scan. This test uses an x-ray to help determine the amount of calcium and other minerals present in the bone. This is recorded as a T-score and Z-score. The T-score compares a patient's bone density with what is considered normal in a healthy young adult of the same gender. The T-score tells how much a patient's bone mass deviates above or below this average. The Z-score compares a patient's bone density with others of the same age, sex and nationality. The T score is the one most commonly used to diagnose osteopenia. A T score of -1 to -2.5 indicates some bone loss, or osteopenia. A Z-score below -1.5 indicates primary osteoporosis.
Significance
Osteopenia is not an actual disease, but rather a warning sign that there is increased risk for developing osteoporosis, warns the Journal of the American Medical Association. This is important because osteoporosis often exists without causing any symptoms. In some cases, a fracture is the first warning sign. Having a bone density test can pick up on bone loss in the early states of osteopenia, so that steps can be taken to prevent osteoporosis and fractures
Treatment
According to the John's Hopkins website, having osteopoenia does not mean that osteoporosis is inevitable. As such, consideration needs to be given as to whether or not osteopenia should be medically treated. Drugs used to halt and reverse bone loss can have serious side effects. If the risk for osteoporosis is low, more conservative lifestyle changes may be tried first. Additional bone density tests can be taken to help determine if lifestyle choices are working.
Solution
Lifestyle changes to help prevent bone loss from getting worse include getting an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D. It is preferable that this comes from food; however, supplements can be taken if necessary, claims the National Institutes of Health. Regular weight-bearing activities, such as walking, can help stimulate bone growth. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to bone loss, so both need to be discontinued. It will also be important to use caution with everyday activities to help reduce the risk of a fall or fracture.
