Is Osteopenia a Serious Condition?

Osteopenia: Symptoms, Causes & More

Osteopenia is a condition characterised by reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Although it is not very serious in the beginning stages, it can become harsh if left untreated. Often unnoticed due to its lack of symptoms, osteopenia indicates reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and serves as a critical warning sign.

This condition tends to raise your chances of fractures and the onset of osteoporosis down the line. Hence, early diagnosis and lifestyle changes are necessary, as they are key to preventing its advancement and sustaining long-term skeletal strength.

Let's explore this condition in more detail!

What Are the Common Symptoms of Osteopenia?

You may not feel your bones getting weaker. However, there are certain symptoms of osteopenia or signs to look out for, including:

• Gradual decrease in height
• Recurrent stress fractures or fractures due to trivial injuries
• Back pain or changes in posture due to compression fractures of the spine
   

Causes and Risk Factors of Osteopenia

There are certain factors that lead to the development of osteopenia. These include:

• Age: Individuals above age 50 are at increased risk.
• Gender: Women, particularly postmenopausal women, are at higher risk for developing osteopenia because oestrogen levels fall.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol intake (over two beverages per day), and lack of exercise hasten bone loss.
• Nutrition: Poor calcium and vitamin D intake may impair bone density.
• Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Conditions including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis decrease BMD.
• Medications: Corticosteroids, diuretics, seizure medications, hormone therapies, and proton pump inhibitors are some of the medications that can cause bone loss.
   

Diagnosis of Osteopenia

Here are the common diagnostic methods performed by medical professionals in order to determine osteopenia:

• BMD Testing: Healthcare providers advise women over age 65 and postmenopausal women under age 65 with risk factors (e.g., smoking, premature menopause, underweight) to have BMD testing. Men aged over 70 and younger persons with risk factors such as a history of fracture or chronic disease, or those taking medications that impact bone health, should also undergo testing.
• Bone Density Testing (DEXA Scan): Osteopenia is usually diagnosed by a bone mineral density (BMD) test, typically the DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan. This imaging test is not invasive; it measures your bone's calcium level and other minerals to assess their strength and density.
• Analysing the T-Score: Reported as a T-score, the DEXA scan measures your bone density against that of a healthy 30-year-old of your sex and race. A T-score between -1.1 and -2.4 is osteopenia. A T-score of -2.5 or less makes osteoporosis certain, whereas a T-score of -1 or better is normal.
• FRAX Score Test: In addition to the T-score, your doctor may also compute your FRAX score. This measure assesses the 10-year risk of a major fracture (hip, shoulder, spine, or forearm) based on your bone density and other personal health risk factors.
   

Treatment of Osteopenia

Treatment of osteopenia requires effective prevention of bone loss and fracture risk and progression to osteoporosis. Here are the common treatment methods used:

• Regular Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises on a regular basis, such as walking, yoga, Pilates, and tai chi, build strong bones and enhance balance.
• Diet: A diet with proper amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and protein maintains bone health.
• Supplements: In cases where dietary intake is poor, physicians might prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements.
• Lifestyle Changes: Smoking should be avoided, and alcohol consumption should be restricted to maintain bone strength.
• Medications: Medications such as alendronate, risedronate, or raloxifene can be prescribed if bone loss approaches osteoporosis.
• Advanced Therapies: In cases where drugs are not helpful, drugs like teriparatide or romosozumab could be utilised under expert supervision.
   

How Does Osteopenia Differ from Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia serves as an early indicator of osteoporosis and is used to describe the medical condition with low bone density. It serves as an early warning sign showing a heightened risk of developing osteoporosis and suffering fractures.

If not treated, osteopenia can advance to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis progressively deteriorates the bones without any detectable symptoms. Patients with osteoporosis experience a considerably higher risk of bone fractures, especially due to falls.

Osteopenia may not be painful or have overt symptoms, but it has serious implications for future bone health. By determining its risk factors and adopting proper lifestyle habits, you can protect your bones and lower the chance of developing osteoporosis.

Also Read:

→ Is RAD a Mental Illness

→ Is Vertigo Caused by the Central Nervous System

→ Difference Between Primary and Secondary Osteoporosis

→ Difference Between Raynaud's Disease and Raynaud's Phenomenon

→ Sickle Cell Disease - An Overview