How can you tell if you have osteopenia?

Osteopenia does not have any apparent symptoms. Without undergoing an x-ray or test to determine bone density levels, it can be difficult to tell whether this condition is present. Bones fracture easily: A person who has osteopenia may fracture bones very easily, as bone density is low, causing bones to be considerably more weak or thin.

What is the best way to treat osteopenia?

There are various treatment methods (medications, hormone replacement therapy, healthy lifestyle changes) that are commonly used to protect bone mass, slow the progression of osteopenia, alleviate related symptoms, and prevent the development of osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are the most common medications prescribed to prevent osteopenia.

When do you lose bone density do you get osteopenia?

After your bone mass peaks, your body breaks down old bone faster than it builds new bone. That means you lose some bone density. Women lose bone more quickly after menopause, due to lower estrogen levels. If you lose too much, your bone mass may drop low enough to be considered osteopenia. About half of Americans older than age 50 get osteopenia.

What does osteopenia stand for in medical terms?

Osteopenia is a condition that describes a lack of mineral density in the bones. ‘Osteo’ means “related to bones”, and ‘penia’, means “to lack or have a deficiency”. This condition is essentially the preliminary form of osteoporosis and indicates low bone mineral density (BMD)—the total bone mineral composition of a person’s bones.

What kind of X-ray to check for osteopenia?

Her orthopedist recommended a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone density study of the spine and hip. The diagnosis was osteopenia, lowest T score –1.1. A 52-year-old womanwho just started menopause and has no other risk factors for osteoporosis.

How does osteopenia affect the bone mineral density?

Bone mineral density (BMD) is the measurement of how much bone mineral is in your bones. Your BMD estimates the chances of breaking a bone from a normal activity. People who have osteopenia have a lower BMD than normal, but it’s not a disease. However, having osteopenia does increase your chances of developing osteoporosis.

What are the side effects of osteopenia injections?

Denosumab medications can cause flu-like symptoms, irritable bowel, bladder infections, muscle and back pain, and an increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (exposure of the jaw bone due to a lack of blood flow). Calcitonin has been known to cause nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, as well as swelling and redness at the injection site.