Osteopenia Diagnosis is a Struggle

Several people asked me to write more about osteopenia. They had a bone density test within the last year and their doctor told them they had osteopenia. They were devastated because they exercise, eat healthfully, and take supplements, the whole 9 yards. Now what they want to know what do they do now!

I am not sure I have the answer but I do know I can give you information to arrive at some solutions for yourself.

First of all osteopenia refers to bone mineral density, BMD, which is lower than normal peak BMD, but not low enough to be diagnosed as osteoporosis. Bone mineral density measures the level of minerals in your bones. The minerals indicate how dense and strong your bones are. In other words instead of saying you have preosteoporosis they say you have osteopenia.

Bones naturally become thinner starting in middle age, or sometimes earlier, because existing bone cells are reabsorbed by the body faster than new bone is made. When this happens, the bones lose minerals and they lose their mass and structure making them weaker all of which increases their chance of breaking.

Some people who have osteopenia may not have bone loss. They may just have a lower bone density. Osteopenia is also the result of illness and eating disorders. If you are not getting enough of the right nutrients you are going to lose bone mass. Chemotherapy, steroidal medicines and exposure to radiation are other reasons for bone loss. Having a family history of osteoporosis or just being thin may also increase your risk of osteopenia.

The problem is there are no symptoms for osteopenia. Your bones become thinner but you do not feel any different or look any different. Osteopenia is diagnosed with a bone mineral density test to see if you have osteoporosis.

I'll talk about treatment and prevention in my next post. In the meantime, if you have any questions send them to me through comments. I'll try to answer them in the next post or give you a resource that can.

To your successful aging.

Ruthan Brodsky

Comments

[Jacqueline]

What are your thoughts on milk and calcium supplements? I have read so much conflicting info! Also, do you find an acid/alkaline balance way of eating to be helpful in preventing bone loss? This is what I am talking about... The importance of pH balance in healthy bones

Also, I have read that eating prunes, of all things, helps rebuild bone. Is this true? If so, why?

Thanks!! Look forward to your next post.