Introduction

Osteopenia refers to loss of bone density. Low bone density means that the bones do not have sufficient mineral content as they are supposed to. In the long run, they become weak and there is  an raised likelihood for bone fractures. Despite osteopenia referring to bone mineral density (BMD) lower than normal, it is not a disease.

In some circumstances where loss of bone density becomes worse, it can become osteoporosis.

 

 Key Facts & Statistics

Key facts and statistics that surround osteopenia?

• It is approximated that more than 40 million US citizens have osteopenia.
• Experts also estimate that 33% of adults aged 50 years and above have some degree/ extent of bone density loss.
• Eventually, osteoporosis can develop from osteopenia. Osteopenia is a midpoint between having strong, healthy bones and having osteoporosis. It is an early sign of osteoporosis.

 

 Risk Factors

What are the risk factors for osteopenia?

Osteopenia can affect any individual.There are several factors that increase chance of development of osteopenia, and they include:

• Age. Being older than 50 years.
• Sex. Individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) have a quadruple chance of having osteopenia as compared to persons assigned male at birth (AMAB).
• Women who are in their post-menopause phase.
• Chemotherapy. Exposure to radiation.
• Medical conditions such as;

1.  Autoimmune diseases that affect your bones such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus.
2.  Hyperthyroidism.
3.  Anorexia nervosa.
4.  Bulimia nervosa.
5. Hyperparathyroidism.
6. Chronic kidney disease.
7. Calcium or vitamin D deficiency.

• Smoking tobacco.
• Alcohol consumption. Drinking more than 2 drinks of alcohol in one day.
• Medicines such as;

1.  Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole.
2.  Corticosteroids.
3.  Diuretics.
4.  Anti-cancer hormonal therapy for breats and prostate cancer.
5.  Anti-seizure medications.

 

 Causes

What are the causes of osteopenia?

Normally and naturally, osteopenia occurs as people age and become old. Usually, individuals lose some bone density as they age.

At the age of 25, bones are densest. Then, they begin braking down rapidly than the body is rebuilding them. This is a natural reduction which does not cause problems in a larger percentage of the individuals.

However, excessive loss of bone density can lead to development of osteopenia, which is an early sign of osteoporosis.

 

 Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of osteopenia?

In osteopenia, there usually lack any noticeable signs and symptoms. It is a silent disease.

 

 Diagnostic Procedures  & Tests

How is osteopenia diagnosed?

Bone density test.

• DEXA is the most common test. DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
•  It is an imaging test.
• It quantifies bone strength.
• It utilizes X-rays to measure the quantity of minerals in the bones, such as calcium.
• According to the National Osteoprosis Foundation, the best regions to perform this test are:

1.  The hip.
2.  The spine.

• In order to report the test results, a T-score is utilized. A T-score result is used for comparison of a person’s bone mass with the expected bone mass as per their age.

 

 Treatment and Management

How is osteopenia treated?

• Most common treatments used for treating osteopenia include:

1. Engaging in regular physical activity.
2. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
3. Embracing a healthy diet plan.

Physical activity. These include simple activities such as walking, jogging and running. Exercising regularly gives strength to the bones. Physical therapists can help patients in performing the activities that are suitable for them.

Vitamin and mineral supplements such as calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Diet. With the right diet, including the right types of vitamins and minerals, the bones can be strengthened.

 

 Complications

What are the complications of osteopenia?

• Increased bone fracture (breakage).
• Risk for developing osteoporosis.

 

Prevention

How do we prevent osteopenia?

• Everyone loses bone density as they age. People cannot stop this from occurring. Improving bone health is a crucial factor for people who are at risk for either osteopenia or osteoporosis.
• A healthy lifestyle is very crucial for good bone health. This includes:

1. Avoiding smoking tobacco products and drinking alcoholic beverages.
2. Consumption of a well-balanced diet that is rich in calcium.
3. Perform exercises regularly.
4. Adequate exposure to sunlight for synthesis of vitamin D.