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Molly Thomas
Miss Gaughan
Honors Anatomy and Physiology
30 November 2017
Osteopenia

Osteopenia is a bone disease. It is characterized by having a bone density lower than the

normal range. Bone density is how strong bones are and the risk that they are at to break. Bone

mineral density is measured in T-scores. There is a normal range, then the Osteopenia range,

then the Osteoporosis range. Specifically, Osteopenia is a T-score between -1 and -2.5.

Osteopenia is common, effecting 50 percent of the American population. One cause of

this is that as you age bones naturally thin starting at around age 30. This happens because the

rate at which new bone is made is slower than the rate that existing bone cells are reabsorbed. As

a result, bones loose minerals, mass, and structure. Bones are thinner so they can break easier.

Although, Osteopenia is not always caused by natural bone thinning. It can result from

other conditions, diseases, or treatments. Treatments such as chemotherapy, steroids, and

radiation increase the risk of Osteopenia significantly. Also, eating disorders, metabolism

problems, and anything that would stop the body from having enough or being able to use

vitamins and minerals also cause this because bone formation and growth requires sufficient

vitamins and minerals.

More women are affected by Osteopenia. Women have a lower bone density to begin

with. They also undergo many hormonal changes such as menopause. These have a large impact

on bones and make women more likely to develop it.

It is easy to diagnose Osteopenia. It does not have any symptoms, but bones are thinner

so they are less strong and more likely to break. Instead, a bone density test is done. A DXA
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(dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) measures the mineral content in the bone. It can detect small

amounts of bone loss and minor changes to the bone. It is more sensitive than a regular X-ray. Its

results are shown in a T-score. The range of Osteopenia is from -1 to -2.5. This is below the

normal range but not extremely low. It is still dangerous and there is a range of treatments

depending on the severity.

There are not different types of Osteopenia but there is a range over severity. Treatment

for severe bone thinning would be medicines to help build bones. They include bisphosphonates,

raloxifene, and hormone replacement. If it is less severe lifestyle changes should be able to help.

Calcium and other supplements can be added to the diet. Sufficient Vitamin D levels are also

important. More exercise because bones form in response to stress. Also stopping smoking and

not drinking alcohol or cola.

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Works Cited

“How Common Is Osteopenia?” 4BoneHealth, www.4bonehealth.org/education/common-

osteopenia/.

“Osteopenia - Overview.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/osteopenia-

overview#1.

Publishing, Harvard Health. “Osteopenia: When You Have Weak Bones, but Not Osteoporosis.”

Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/osteopenia-when-you-have-

weak-bones-but-not-osteoporosis.