What is osteopenia?

Osteopenia concerns a state where bone density or bone mineral density (BMD) is measured as below average. It is not osteoporosis and some people have naturally lower BMDs than others. It may be a sign that BMD is declining and that the result will be osteoporosis.

In general, when it has a person 30, they have the highest possible measurement of bone minerals. If it is at this age, BMD is already lower than average, the person is allegedly osteopenia. As people age, and especially when women reach menopause, they tend to lose some bone mass. Even if you have a good diet, exercise regularly and smoke, osteopenia may occur. Both and osteoporosis are partly determined by genetics; The bone density seems to be higher in some populations. Women who are thin, Caucasian or Asian are most endangered by both conditions.

There are usually no symptoms caused by osteopenia, because lower BMD does not mean that your bones are fragious to break. The important thing is that women have bone scanning to youBMD rating. One scan can measure whether you have osteopenia, but it cannot tell you that the rate that bone mass is lost. If you have a lower BMD, you may need to scan annually to evaluate the chances of developing osteoporosis.

Bone scanning by bone scanning is a quick range of X -rays called dual energy X -ray absorption (Dexa). Instead, some people have bone scanning with computer axial tomography (CAT). Dexa is considered more accurate and the radiation level is no more risky than the basic chest X -ray. The Dexa process is so accurate that it can measure only 2% below the normal BMD reading.

If you are diagnosed with osteopenia, you will receive information about changing your diet to include more calcium, stop smoking and add further exercise Opportutinies to your lifestyle. If the second scan a year later shows thatE Your BMD is declining, medication can also be administered. There are several new ones on the market that help slow down and can even help maintain bone density like Boniva®.

A person with osteopenia does not necessarily develop osteoporosis, but it is true that most women are starting to lose bone after the age of 30. Delays of smoking, avoidance of caffeine, regular exercise, including not only aerobic work, but also strength training, can help slow bone loss.

Sometimes osteopenia is the result of certain conditions. Chemotherapy, which is used for people with many different forms of cancer, can cause lower BMD. If you take steroids on condition like lupus, this may result in normal BMD reading below. Drugs for the treatment of seizures and bipolar disorders such as Tegretol®, Dilantin® and Neurontin® may reduce bone mass. Usually there is no way to avoid taking these medicines when you need them. It is therefore important to accept lifestyle changes to further reduce your BMD.