Definition:
Osteopenia is a condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal. It is considered by most doctors to be
a precursor to osteoporosis. Moreover, not every person diagnosed with osteopenia will develop osteoporosis.
Fractures usually experienced in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Diagnosis:
The pharmaceutical company Merck, which sells the anti-bone-loss drug Fosamax, estimated in 2003, from its own
market research, that about 8 million women had been found to have osteopenia and about a third of them were
taking an osteoporosis drug.
Treatment:
Osteoporosis is more or less preventable for most people. Prevention is very important, while treatments are
available for osteoporosis, no cure currently exists. Prevention of osteoporosis involves many aspects, including
nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, and early screening.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms occurring during later stages include fractures of the vertebrae, wrists or hips (usually the first
indication); low back pain; neck pain; bone pain and tenderness; loss of height over time; and a stooped posture.
Causes:
osteopenia occurs more frequently in post-menopausal women as a result of the loss of estrogen. It may also be
exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise, excess consumption of alcohol, smoking or prolonged
use of glucocorticoid medications such as those prescribed for asthma.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
