Osteopenia is the medical term that describes the gradual loss of bone mass. This loss makes the bones more fragile and increases the risk for fractures. If left untreated, it can develop into osteoporosis, which can make bones so weak that fractures can occur with just minor trauma or movements.

Osteopenia is more common in postmenopausal women and men over 70 years old. Bones naturally become more porous with age, which reduces calcium absorption and therefore bone density.

To prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis, patients are advised to exercise regularly and to increase their intake of foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Learn more about foods with vitamin D that you can include in your diet.

Common symptoms

Osteopenia is not associated with any symptoms and is usually only discovered during routine exams or when a fracture occurs and an x-ray is taken.

However, as bone mass and bone density degreases, osteoporosis will start to progres, at which point fractures and bone deformities may become more likely.

Does osteopenia hurt?

In rare cases, osteopenia can cause pain or weakness. However, when osteoporosis starts to progress, the person may have pain in the hip, neck, bones and back.

Confirming a diagnosis

An osteopenia diagnosis is confirmed by an orthopedic surgeon through a bone density test.

The result of a bone density is given in points, with values between -1 and -2.5 being considered osteopenia. A tested bone area is considere to have osteoporosis when the result is less than -2.5.

The doctor may recommend regular bone density tests if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Regular screening is also recommended for women over 50 years of age, and men over 70.

What is the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis?

Both osteopenia and osteoporosis are diseases that are characterized by a decrease in bone mass.

The main difference is that osteopenia is the first stage of a loss of bone density. It left untreated, it can progress to osteoporosis, making the bones more porous and less resistant. This can increase the risk for fractures.

Possible causes

The main causes of osteopenia are:

Early menopause or post-menopause
Family history of osteoporosis
Age, as it is more common in women over 50 and men over 70
Low calcium and vitamin D intake
Smoking
Not exercising regularly
Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
BMI below 18.5 kg/m2.

In addition, reduced sun exposure, chemotherapy, or problems with the thyroid, parathyroid, liver or kidneys, can also favor osteopenia, as they can alter the bone formation process.

Is osteopenia serious?

Although osteopenia is not serious, it is one of the first stages of bone mass loss. If left untreated, it can progress to osteoporosis, which is a serious condition, as it can increase the risk of pathological fractures, even during simple daily activities.

Treatment options

Treatment for osteopenia should be performed under the guidance of an orthopedic surgeon. It is aimed at preventing prevent excessive bone loss and progression to osteoporosis.

The main treatments for osteopenia are:

1. Use of supplements

Doctors usually recommends taking calcium and vitamin D supplements every day to ensure healthy bones.

Calcium is essential for strengthening the hones and increasing their resistance and maintaining bone health, while vitamin D improves the absorption of calcium in the intestine, which helps to strengthen bones.

2. Use of medications

Patients who are at a higher risk for developing fractures may be prescribed certain medications, such as alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, denosumab or calcitonin, for example.

These medications are typically prescribed for osteoporosis, and are taken to increase bone mass.

As osteopenia in women may be related to hormonal changes typical of menopause, the doctor may also recommend hormone replacement therapy, which can help rebalance metabolism and keep bones stronger for longer.

In men, testosterone hormone replacement therapy may be indicated when low testosterone levels are associated an increased risk of fractures

3. Physical activity

A lack of physical activity, especially in people who are immobile or bedridden, is a major cause of fragile bones. In comparison, athletes and those who are regularly active tend to have a higher bone mass than the general population.

Regular physical activity is important to help restore bone strength in osteopenia, and is also a great way to prevent falls and reduce the risk of fractures.

In addition to physical activity, it is important to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, like avoiding smoke or excess alcohol intake, as these can directly affect bone mass and increase the risk for developing osteopenia.

4. Diet

To prevent osteoporosis and prevent osteopenia from progressing, it is important to maintain a diet in osteopenia that is rich in calcium and vitamin D, as this helps to promote optimal bone mass. A diet can play a role in ensuring bones are strong to reduce the risk of fractures.

Some foods you can include in your daily diet include milk, yogurt, cheese and soy, while those with specific nutritional needs may be prescribed supplements.