Osteopenia & Osteoporosis
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are gradations of the same disease state involving loss of bone mass. Osteopenia is also called low bone mass, and may progress to osteoporosis, which means "porous bone". Osteopenia and osteoporosis occur when normal bone turnover is unbalanced in favor of resorption or breakdown (osteoclast) activity. Osteoporosis is a disease of bone that results in reduced bone mass and changes in the microscopic structure of the bone. Osteoporosis can result in fractures from mild trauma, or even everyday activity, like picking up a bag of groceries - or a child.
Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in Menopause
Osteoporosis may occur in both men and women but tends to occur earlier in women, and the rate of bone loss increases after menopause. With loss of estrogen, the activity of osteoblasts (bone formation cells) is decreased so that the rate of bone formation (building is less than bone resorption (breakdown). This imbalance leads to loss of bone resulting in osteoporosis and an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporotic fractures, especially hip fractures, are associated with serious consequences, for example 20% of those over age 50 who suffer a hip fracture will die in the year following the fracture. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, low body weight and lack of exercise can accelerate bone loss. Women with a family history of osteoporosis are at increased risk. In fact, having a mother who broke a hip after age 50 is a risk factor for her daughters. Learn more about risk factors.