Osteopenia, or low bone density, is when your bones become weaker than normal. This can lead to broken bones or even osteoporosis if not addressed. Typically, people find out they have osteopenia after age 60 due to natural bone weakening that comes with aging, but even premature infants might be at risk.
While osteopenia doesn’t have a cure, you can bolster your bone strength and avoid further issues through lifestyle changes like improving your diet and getting regular exercise. Many people aren’t aware they have osteopenia because it’s usually symptom-free. Often, people only realize their bones are weakening when they develop osteoporosis, a more severe bone condition. However, if symptoms do appear, they might include bone pain, weakness, or an increased chance of fractures.
Bone mass naturally decreases with age, but not everyone develops osteopenia. People assigned female at birth are four times more likely to have osteopenia than those assigned male at birth, partly because menopause can speed up bone density loss. This happens as estrogen levels drop during menopause, affecting bone strength due to the role of hormones like estrogen and testosterone in maintaining bone health.
Premature babies, especially those born before 30 weeks, might experience osteopenia. The last trimester of pregnancy is crucial for bone development, including fetal movement and the transfer of key minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Without these, infants may start with weaker bones.
Doctors might monitor your bone health as you age and recommend tests like a DEXA scan if they suspect risk factors for osteopenia or other bone diseases. A DEXA scan measures bone strength and provides a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy person. This score can track changes over time and guide treatment.
Currently, there is no cure for osteopenia, so treatments aim to strengthen bones, lower fracture risk, and prevent further loss. Lifestyle adjustments are the first line of treatment, but medication might also be prescribed, particularly if there’s a history of fractures. Recommendations often include a mix of lifestyle changes designed to make bones stronger and less prone to breaking.
If osteopenia is identified in infants, treatments focus on boosting the strength and density of their developing bones. This might involve specific medical or dietary interventions suggested by a healthcare provider.
While aging can make osteopenia difficult to prevent, certain strategies can help manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications, such as frequent fractures. These prevention techniques often overlap with treatment options since both aim to prevent further bone loss.
The most typical complications from osteopenia include broken bones, fractures, and potentially osteoporosis if left untreated. To minimize these risks, healthcare providers could suggest preventive methods, which might align closely with treatment strategies.
Despite the concern an osteopenia diagnosis might bring, it’s possible to slow down bone loss with a combination of lifestyle changes. These adjustments can help maintain an active lifestyle while lowering the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. If you’re postmenopausal or worried about developing osteopenia, consult your healthcare provider about screening. Early detection can help you safeguard your bone health long-term.
