Osteopenia defines abnormal bone density but not so low that it can be defined as osteoporosis. In fact, there are medical sources that consider the term obsolete. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), osteopenia is defined by bone densitometry with a T score -1 to -2.5. If osteopenia is not treated following medical recommendations, osteoporosis may develop. Women are more likely to develop osteopenia after the age of 30 than men.
After the age of 30, the body reabsorbs existing bone cells faster than it takes to form new bone, causing bones to lose minerals, mass and structure, weakening them and increasing the risk of fracture. Peak bone density around 30 years of age. The thicker the bones around that age, the longer osteopenia or osteoporosis can appear.
Osteopenia can have various causes such as:
– Lack or inactivity of calcium.
– Lack or inactivity of vitamin D.
– Genetic causes.
– Premenopause and low body weight.
– Lack of physical exercise.
– Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.
– Metabolism problems that do not allow the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
– Chemotherapy treatment or medications such as steroids.
– Family history of osteoporosis.
– Hyperthyroidism.
– Hyperparathyroidism.
– Cushing’s syndrome.
– Diabetes type 1.
– Addison’s disease.
– Sarcoidosis.
– Hypogonadism.
– Gigantism.
– Celiac Disease.
– Ulcerative colitis.
– Crohn’s disease.
– Primary biliary cirrhosis.
– Rheumatoid arthritis.
– Prolonged immobilization.
– Smoking.
– Alcoholism.
Osteopenia has no symptoms. It is usually detected through tests performed for other diseases as confirmation of disorders that may include loss of bone density due to the disease or treatment.
Osteopenia is diagnosed by bone densitometry; test that measures the amount of bone mass in the skeleton.
– T score -1.0 or above. Normal.
– T score -1 to -2.5. Osteopenia
– T score -2.5 or below. Osteoporosis
– T score -2.5 or below with history of fractures. Severe osteoporosis.
The first step in treating osteopenia is to adopt a series of lifestyle changes that include a healthy, balanced diet rich in sources of calcium such as milk and other dairy products as well as green leafy vegetables and calcium-enriched products. calcium.
Exercising is important to have strong bones such as: walking, dancing, hiking, using light weights or elastic bands. These options should be discussed with your doctor or physical therapist.
Your doctor will probably prescribe a calcium supplement combined with vitamin D.
Healthy lifestyle habits that exclude tobacco and alcohol and include a healthy diet rich in vitamin D and foods rich in calcium as well as moderate and regular physical exercise promote bone health. Additionally, especially after age 65, women should undergo a bone density test routinely to understand the health of their bone mass.
