Osteopenia Treatment

Osteopenia is a condition affecting the bones whereby the bone mineral density (BMD) is below the normal value thus leading to weakening of the bones and sometimes causing the fracture of the bones. Bone mineral density determines the strength of the bones and is a measure of the amount of minerals in the bones. People with osteopenia have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by thinning of the bones which increases the risk of fractures even due a minor trauma.

It is highly important that sufficient amount of calcium and vitamin D are included in the diet of osteopenia patients. The treatment for osteopenia varies with individuals. A medical practitioner can determine the treatment to be given based on factors that may increase the risk of a bone fracture. These factors include arthritis, usage of corticosteroids, smoking, alcohol consumption etc.

For the prevention and treatment of osteopenia, one has to make changes in their lifestyle. Diet plays an important role in the development of bones. Calcium is the most important mineral that constitutes the bone mass. So it is important to take a proper diet that ensures a daily intake of adequate calcium. Green vegetables, calcium-enriched products, milk and other dairy products are the best sources of calcium. In addition to calcium, vitamin D is also required for bone development. Vitamin D makes it easier for the body to absorb calcium and other minerals. The sources of vitamin D include eggs, fishes like salmon, sardines, swordfish, and some fish oils. Apart from the intake, our body has the ability to synthesis vitamin D in response to sunlight.

The recommended amount of calcium is 1200 mg daily for women above 50 and men above 71 years of age and 1000 mg daily for adult men and younger adult women whereas that for vitamin D is 800 International units daily for women above 71, 600 IU daily for women in other age groups, men and children, 400 IU daily for infants below 12 months.

For maintaining strong and healthy bones, regular exercise is necessary. Walking, hiking, dancing, weight lifting etc are a few of the exercises that can increase the bone health. In addition to diet and exercise, quitting smoking altogether and controlling the amount of alcohol consumption will also help to reduce the risk of osteopenia.

Osteopenia often does not require treatment with prescription medications. The bone mineral density (BMD) is monitored by repeating the bone density test usually after two years (BMD changes very slowly and hence at least two years is required between tests to detect significant loss of bone) to find out if there is any bone loss. It is the BMD value that determines if treatment is necessary.  For those who require treatment with prescription medications, following are the options
- Calcitonin (Miacalcin, Fortical, Calcimar)

- Denosumab (Prolia)

- Raloxifene (Evista)

- Bisphosphonates (including alendronate [Fosamax], risedronate [Actonel], ibandronate [Boniva], and zoledronic acid [Reclast])

- Teriparatide (Forteo)

Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesteroneA follow–up test for determining the bone mineral density has to be conducted frequently after treatment with the prescription medication is started. Since the BMD changes very slowly, the follow–up tests are usually done many years after the medication is begun.