Osteopenia

What You Should Know About Bone Loss

Osteopenia is the medical term for low bone density. Under a microscope, your bones look like a “honeycomb.” With conditions such as osteopenia, the holes or spaces in your bones are enlarged. Osteopenia occurs when your body does not produce new bone at an equal rate with the reabsorption of old bone. Women are at a higher risk of developing osteopenia than men.

Discover more about this condition on the following page:

• Tests & Treatments

Patient Education: Osteopenia

Some of the causes of osteopenia / low bone density may include:

• A diet low in calcium and vitamin D
• Hormone changes caused by aging
• Certain conditions or diseases such as hyperthyroid disorders, celiac disease, and more
• Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia
• Exposure to radiation during the chemotherapy process
• Certain medications including gabapentin, phenytoin, and steroids
• Smoking
• High consumption of alcohol
• High consumption of carbonated drinks
• Lack of strength-based exercise

How Is Osteopenia Different Than Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia is an early sign of bone density loss. There are usually no symptoms associated with osteopenia. However, this condition can progress into osteoporosis, which often includes symptoms such as pain, height loss, poor posture, and a higher risk of breaking a bone. The difference between these conditions—osteopenia and osteoporosis—is the amount of bone mineral density.