Decreased bone density, also known as osteopenia or osteoporosis, occurs when bones lose minerals like calcium more quickly than the body can replace them, leading to weakened and fragile bones. This condition often develops without symptoms until a minor fall or accident causes a fracture.
Some key things to know:
- Bone density peaks around age 30 and then naturally declines with age as bone breakdown occurs faster than formation. This loss speeds up significantly for women during menopause.
What causes decreased bone density?
- Getting older
- Hormonal changes from menopause
- Inadequate calcium, vitamin D
- Certain medications like steroids
- Inactive lifestyle without weight-bearing exercise
People with low bone density are at
higher risk of fractures - these
broken bones often occur in the
wrist, spine or hip. While less common, fractures can also happen in other bones like the arm, rib or pelvis from a minor bump or fall.
What are the symptoms?
Sadly
osteoporosis is often called a "
silent disease" because people
do not realize their bones have weakened until they finally
break. Some signs that may indicate you have this condition before a painful fracture occurs include:
- Loss of height over time
- Stooped posture
- Back pain caused by fractured vertebra
How is decreased bone density diagnosed?
The gold standard test is a
DXA scan to precisely assess bone mineral density in your hip and spine. Based on this bone density test, a doctor can diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis and assess your future
fracture risk. Other tests like blood work or X-rays are sometimes used to rule out other causes of symptoms.
Can decreased bone density be prevented or treated?
The good news is
osteoporosis can often be prevented through early detection and lifestyle changes like:
- Consuming enough vitamin D and calcium
- Weight-bearing and resistance training exercises
- Not smoking, limited alcohol intake
- Fall prevention
- Medications if needed - bisphosphonates, Denosumab
Consider getting a bone density scan from Balance Hormone Clinic -
our comprehensive osteoporosis prevention program includes testing, supplementation based on results, exercise plans and referrals to specialists. Our goal is to help patients maintain strong, fracture free bones for life!
I hope this overview on decreased bone density was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.
When it comes to your bone health and preventing painful fractures, trust the hormone experts at Balance Hormone Clinic to keep you active and independent as you gracefully age.