Osteopenia is a condition in which bone mass is lost and bones become brittle. Although it is less severe than osteoporosis, it should also be taken seriously. This occurs when the internal bone material becomes brittle as a result of calcium loss. It is fairly common as one ages. At approximately 35 years of age, total bone mass reaches its maximum. People with osteopenia have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteopenia occurs when bones become abnormally fragile, but the hallmark of osteoporosis is not that bones break readily. Typically, your bones become denser when you reach the age of 30.Osteopenia typically develops after the age of 50, if it occurs at all. Therefore, the precise age depends on the bone density at a young age. If they are robust, you may never develop osteopenia. If your bones are not inherently dense, you may develop osteoporosis. Exercising, maintaining a healthy diet, and on occasion taking medication may help you maintain strong and dense bones for many years. This condition develops when the body loses more bone than it creates. Those who have a family history of such a condition are inherently susceptible to developing it. If you are a woman, you have a greater likelihood of having it. Men possess greater bone mass than women. (1)
In addition, because women live longer than men, their bones are older, and they receive less calcium than men do typically. Calcium is an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy bones. Changes in hormones that may occur during menopause may increase the risk of osteopenia in women. While men with reduced testosterone levels are more likely to have it. If you have osteopenia, your bone density could be significantly lower than average. Around the age of 35, your bone density is at its maximum. Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measurement of the amount of bone mineral in the bones.
The BMD measures the risk of bone fracture due to regular physical activity. Individuals with osteopenia have a low BMD compared to normal, but this condition is not a disorder. Therefore, osteopenia does increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. This bone disorder may cause bowed posture, fractures, loss of height, and excruciating pain. You may be able to treat osteopenia. Appropriate dietary choices and physical activity may help maintain bone health and strength.
If you have osteopenia, ask your healthcare provider how you can improve and prevent further deterioration to prevent osteoporosis. Osteopenia is a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) that causes brittle bones. It primarily affects individuals over the age of 50, particularly women. Osteopenia has no symptoms or indications, but a screening test may measure bone density. This test is painless. Therefore, lifestyle modifications may aid in preserving bone density and treat osteopenia.