What is decreased bone density?
Decreased bone density, also known as osteopenia or osteoporosis, is a condition where the bones become weaker, less dense, and have reduced mass. This increases the risk of fractures and broken bones.
Some key facts about decreased bone density:
- It often develops slowly over many years without symptoms until a fracture occurs
- It is more common in older adults, especially postmenopausal women due to lower estrogen levels
- Risk factors include:
- Age - bone density peaks around age 30 and declines with age
- Family history - genetics can play a role
- Calcium and vitamin D deficiency - important for bone health
- Inactive lifestyle - weight-bearing exercise helps build bone
- It can be diagnosed using a bone mineral density (BMD) test like a DEXA scan
- Treatments focus on slowing/preventing further bone loss to lower fracture risks. They include medications like bisphosphonates, lifestyle changes, calcium/vitamin D supplements.
Why does bone density decrease?
As we age, our bodies start breaking down and absorbing bone tissue faster than building new tissue. Hormone changes (like low estrogen in menopausal women) and inadequate calcium/vitamin D intakes also impact this balance. Over many years, bones start to lose minerals, and their internal structure weakens, becoming more porous.
What are the symptoms of decreased bone density?
There often are no noticeable symptoms until weakened bones fracture more easily - even from minor bumps, falls, sudden motions, or stresses that normally wouldn't cause breaks. Common fracture sites include the wrist, spine, and hip. Symptoms like back pain or height loss can also occur from spinal compression fractures.
How is decreased bone density diagnosed and treated?
Your doctor can order a bone mineral density test which compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old. Low bone mass is called osteopenia, while advanced loss is osteoporosis.
To treat decreased bone density: - Increase weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises - Ensure adequate calcium (1000-1200mg daily) and vitamin D intake - Modify fall risks at home like loose carpets or poor lighting - Prescription medications like bisphosphonates strengthen bones and reduce fracture chances - In serious cases, surgeries like vertebroplasty can stabilize collapsed spinal bones
The key is balancing bone breakdown and rebuilding to maintain strength. With early detection, treatments and lifestyle changes can slow bone density loss over time.
Visit Renew Health Clinic for more information on maintaining bone health.