Can Osteopenia Be Reversed?

Osteopenia is a medical condition in which there is decreased bone density. This is typically seen in women in the menopausal years, and it can lead to osteoporosis later on. This can also happen to younger individuals if they have a high-impact sport or take part in other intense activities. There are a number of ways to treat osteopenia, including exercise and medication. In some cases, the condition can be reversed entirely. Here are the two methods.

Why Osteopenia Occurs

Osteopenia is a type of bone density loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, osteopenia is a condition where the bone mineral density is lower than normal and there is a risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bone density is lower than normal and the bones are at a high risk of breaking. There are multiple causes of osteopenia. These can include aging, chronic diseases, low bone mass, a sedentary lifestyle, thyroid disorders, and certain medications. Osteopenia can be reversed if the cause is removed. This includes exercise, proper diet, and taking certain medications.

How Osteopenia Affects Your Health

Osteopenia affects how your bones grow and develop. As you get older, your bones become more brittle and brittle bones break easily. Osteopenia is the early stage of osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to lose mass and become thin. Since osteopenia occurs before osteoporosis, people who have it can often avoid the severe consequences of the disease. Osteopenia is most likely to occur in postmenopausal women. However, it can occur at any age and anyone who has had a medical condition that weakens the bones can be at risk. Bone density can be increased by exercising your muscles, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough vitamin D and calcium. Your doctor will check your bone density by taking a bone scan. The test looks at the density of your bones. A normal scan will show your bones to have a density of at least -1.0 gm/cm3. However, a bone scan can detect an early stage of osteopenia. While it cannot tell if you are going to develop osteoporosis, it can help you take steps to prevent it.

About Osteopenia

Osteopenia, or low bone density, can be a very serious condition. It affects as much as half of all menopausal women and about 20 percent of menopausal women. It can also lead to increased risk of osteoporosis later in life. Osteopenia may not be as severe as osteoporosis, but it can still result in fractures and bone loss. The first step in treating osteopenia is to monitor your overall health. You should talk to your doctor about a bone density test if you have any of the following:
• A recent change in your diet or exercise routine
• Having trouble walking or climbing stairs
• Having a family history of osteoporosis
• Having a history of a disease or condition that affects bone health
A bone density test may also be recommended for women who have had a previous fracture, or women at high risk of fracture. A bone density test can also be recommended for men. Some men over the age of 65 have a higher risk of having osteopenia or osteoporosis. Bone density testing is recommended for these men if they have any of the following:
• A history of recent, unexplained bone fractures
• Having had two or more vertebrae broken from a fall
• Having had one or more vertebrae broken due to cancer
• Having a family history of bone disease
• Having had a recent change in their diet or exercise routine
• Having had trouble walking or climbing

Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Osteopenia, also known as osteoporosis, is a disease that can result in the loss of bone density. This can lead to bone fractures as the bones become fragile. Osteopenia typically affects postmenopausal women. Many women notice signs of osteopenia as they age. Additionally, other factors can cause osteopenia, such as low levels of vitamin D, genetics, and medical conditions. Signs of osteopenia include low energy levels, fatigue, and low back pain. Some women with osteopenia may be able to treat the condition with diet and supplements. Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed through x-rays or bone scans. It can also be diagnosed by assessing bone density. Your doctor may order a bone density test to see if you have osteoporosis.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones and can cause them to become brittle. This means that a person’s bones may become more likely to break, and the fractures can cause pain, deformity and disability. It is a major health problem, particularly in women, and is often treated with medication. However, some people do not have the genetic risk factors associated with the disease and therefore may not be affected by it.