Osteopenia and Osteporosis

do you know the difference between Osteopenia and Osteoporosis? They are both bone-related health conditions that impact older people in general.

Osteopenia is a loss of bone mineral density (BMD) that weakens bones. It's more common in people older than 50, especially women. Ostepenia does not have any symptoms but over time it can develop into Osteoporosis.

The stage after Osteoporosis is called Osteopenia.

Osteoporosis is a more severe health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.

Our bodies go through skeletal changes that is called “bone remodelling”. This means that our bodies constantly build new bone tissue (osteoblast) whilst breaking down older bone cells (osteoclast). As we age, the breaking up process becomes faster than the building process. Women also lose bone density more rapidly in the first few years after the menopause. As such, women are more at risk of osteoporosis than men, particularly if the menopause begins early (before the age of 45) or they have had their ovaries removed.

How do we prevent Osteoporosis:

• Doing regular exercise to keep our bones as strong as possible. Particularly weight bearing exercises are crucial. This can be done with body weight and using external weights. Easier places to build muscles are legs and arms. Squats and planks are wonderful exercises for this.

• Healthy eating – including foods rich in calcium and vitamin D

• Taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D especially in winter months and depending on where you live

• Making lifestyle changes – such as giving up smoking and reducing alcohol consumption

• Protein is also crucial in bone health

• Annual screening tests can measure bone strength and density. This is important particularly in menopausal women