Osteopenia

What is Osteopenia?

It is a condition when the bones are so weak that it might turn towards Osteoporosis, though it is not imperative that anybody who suffers from Osteopenia would also suffer from Osteoporosis. Basically the bone mineral density decreases in case of Osteopenia. Bone mineral Density is the measurement of the level of minerals in the bone that determines the density and the strength of the bones. Women are more prone to it, especially women athletes. They have lower body weight and lower fat level in the body. Some of them also suffer from asthma. The low level of fat that is actually because of lower level of estrogen and the usage of corteosteroids to treat asthma tend to weaken the bone of the athletes over a period of time. It happens to women also as part of aging.

Are there any symptoms of Osteopenia?

There are no definite symptoms of Osteopenia as such. There is neither any pain nor any change that occurs when the bones start growing thinner though there is always this risk of a bone breaking since the risk obviously increases when the bone becomes fragile and less dense.

What can cause Osteopenia?

• It is quite natural for the bones to gradually become weak as and how a person grows old, the process of which starts from the early middle age since the body reabsorbs the existing bones faster than the new bones are made. The bones by and by lose the minerals, the heaviness and the structure thus resulting to the bone growing weaker. As the bone grows weaker it is prone to break faster. People who have a low Bone mineral density should be more careful and get themselves checked at regular intervals.
• Everybody starts losing their bone mineral density after reaching the climactic age of thirty but then if at that point in time your bones are thick you are safe and if they are weak, you are an easy victim of Osteopenia. There are cases wherein the patient does have Osteopenia but does not suffer from bone loss; this happens when the patient naturally has weak bones.
• Osteopenia can also be caused due to some condition or as a disease or even a treatment of a disease can cause it.
• Women are more exposed to the dangers of Osteopenia than men since they already have a low Bone mineral density, which starts decreasing furthermore after approximately thirty years of age. In women the loss of Bone mineral density is faster than in men because of the hormonal changes that they go through after a certain age.
• Osteopenia can also be caused due to eating disorders and problems in metabolism that stops the body from accepting the required nutrition for making the bones strong.
• It can also be caused due to chemotherapy and medications for asthma, which include steroids.
• Radiations can also lower down the bone mineral density.
• Smoking and drinking both hard and soft drinks can cause Osteopenia.

What are the ways to avoid Osteopenia?

Here are few precautionary measures and treatments to deal with Osteopenia:

• People, especially women who are still below thirty should maintain a healthy diet. They should exercise and avoid smoking. Women whose menstrual cycle is irregular should consult a doctor immediately since they are exposed to a greater risk. Ensure that your regular diet has Vitamin D3 and K2 so that the calcium that you consume is utilized effectively.
A calcium supplement is also strongly suggested to make up for the deficiency that could not be filled by daily food.
• One should also have enough Vitamin D that helps the body to absorb calcium easily which your body would easily get through sunlight and food products like milk.

So it is a warning bell for women who are nearing their 30’s that you have to take good care of yourselves otherwise you might suffer from Osteopenia.