Osteopenia: Early Signs of Bone Loss of Osteoporosis

In this article

• How Is Osteopenia Diagnosed?
• What Are Some Risk Factors for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis?
• How Can my Doctor Test for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis?
• Who Should Get a Bone Density Test?
• The Female Athlete Triad and Osteopenia
• How Can I Prevent Osteopenia and Osteoporosis?

How Can I Prevent Osteopenia and Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia is every woman's concern -- no matter what your age or health status. That's because osteopenia is the first step to full-blown osteoporosis or severe bone loss.

Moreover, fractures don't wait until you have osteoporosis. The risk of fractures increases as your bone density decreases. Once you have just one fracture, you are at a greater risk for more fractures. The good news is that osteopenia can be prevented or reversed before fractures occur. Here are some prevention tips:

• Eat a balanced diet. Include plenty of calcium and vitamin D. You'll find these nutrients in foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, and broccoli.
• Exercise regularly. Choose weight-bearing exercise like walking, running, or tennis. Also do strength training using weights or resistance bands.
• Avoid smoking.
• If you drink, do so in moderation.
• If you have gone through menopause, talk to your health care provider about the newer osteoporosis medications. Depending on your individual health and risk factors, he or she might recommend an osteoporosis medication.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Osteoporosis: Keeping Bones Strong.