Description A decreased density...
Description
A decreased density of the bones. Osteopenia is similar to osteoporosis but the loss of bone density is not as severe. Many patients with osteopenia later develop osteoporosis, without treatment. Bone loss occurs as one becomes older, and women are more likely to suffer from this disorder. Other conditions can cause osteopenia including: poor nutrition, smoking, being thin, having a family history of osteopenia, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, medications such as steroids, decreased physical activity, alcohol consumption, being of Caucasian ancestry, and drinking cola drinks. Osteopenia puts patients at increased risk of broken bones.
Symptoms
Usually none unless there is an injury resulting in a fracture of the bone.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be done. A bone density mass (BMD) will be measured. The most accurate technique is a special x-ray called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Bone density (DEXA)
Do I need this test?
Don't use dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) screening for osteoporosis in women younger than 65 or men younger than 70 with no risk factors. DEXA is not cost effective in younger, low-risk patients, but is cost effective in older patients.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice, Geriatric Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Workup:
A history and physical will be done. A bone density mass (BMD) will be measured. The most accurate technique is a special x-ray called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Bone density (DEXA)
Do I need this test?
Don't use dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) screening for osteoporosis in women younger than 65 or men younger than 70 with no risk factors. DEXA is not cost effective in younger, low-risk patients, but is cost effective in older patients.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice, Geriatric Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at decreasing the rate of bone loss and preventing the patient from acquiring osteoporosis. Treatment includes: increasing exercise, and better nutrition including increased vitamin D and calcium ingestion. The healthcare provider may prescribe medications used to treat osteoporosis.