What is decreased bone density?
Decreased bone density, also known as osteopenia or osteoporosis, is a condition where the bones become weaker and have lower density, making them more prone to fractures. This happens when new bone tissue cannot rebuild fast enough to keep up with bone resorption (breakdown of old bone).
Some key facts about decreased bone density:
- It often develops slowly over years without symptoms until a fracture occurs
- It is common in postmenopausal women due to lower estrogen levels
- Other risk factors include vitamin D deficiency, low calcium intake, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol overuse
The key mechanism behind decreased bone density is an imbalance between bone resorption and formation. There are special cells called osteoclasts that break down old bone tissue. At the same time, cells called osteoblasts are supposed to build new bone to replace it. If the osteoclasts become overactive and the osteoblasts cannot keep up, it leads to gradual bone loss.
How is decreased bone density diagnosed? Doctors often recommend getting a DXA scan starting from age 65. It checks mineral bone density in different parts of the skeleton. Your T-score from the scan indicates bone health. The lower it is, the higher your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Treatment for decreased bone density focuses on slowing or preventing more bone loss:
- Getting enough vitamin D and calcium
- Weight-bearing and resistance exercises
- Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol
- Some medications like bisphosphonates
The key is balancing diet and exercise to maintain healthy bone remodeling. Make sure to get regular physicals and bone density tests with advanced age. Act quickly if you have risk factors, since it is much easier to preserve bone strength than to rebuild it after significant loss!
I hope this gives a helpful overview of the causes, risks, diagnosis, and management of decreased bone density. Let me know if you have any other questions!