Osteopenia
Osteopenia Causes
osteopenia occurs more frequently in post-menopausal women as a result of the loss of estrogen. It may also be exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise, excess consumption of alcohol, smoking or prolonged use of glucocorticoid medications such as those prescribed for asthma.
Osteopenia Definition
Osteopenia is a condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal. It is considered by most doctors to be a precursor to osteoporosis. Moreover, not every person diagnosed with osteopenia will develop osteoporosis. Fractures usually experienced in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Osteopenia Diagnosis
The pharmaceutical company Merck, which sells the anti-bone-loss drug Fosamax, estimated in 2003, from its own market research, that about 8 million women had been found to have osteopenia and about a third of them were taking an osteoporosis drug.
Osteopenia Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms occurring during later stages include fractures of the vertebrae, wrists or hips (usually the first indication); low back pain; neck pain; bone pain and tenderness; loss of height over time; and a stooped posture.
Osteopenia Treatment
Osteoporosis is more or less preventable for most people. Prevention is very important, while treatments are available for osteoporosis, no cure currently exists. Prevention of osteoporosis involves many aspects, including nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, and early screening.