Just diagnosed with Osteopenia?

Question

Just wondering what it is (I know it has something to do with my bones). Can it be reversed?

I am 23 years old. It has set in b/c of 2 knee surgeries I've had.

Answer 1

osteopenia means thin bones.

but if you have osteopenia, you dont yet have osteoporosis, which means bones after very fragile.

first... make sure the diagnosis is correct... some machines assess bone density, but aren;t really that accurate... it is common to find these machines in shopping centres and pharmacies... they are crap.
get a referral from your doctor for a proper DEXA bone density test if you haven;t already done so.

If you have a correct diagnosis of osteopenia, there are a few conditions that may be responsible:
1. vit D definiciency from kidney failure, race or lack of sunlight
2. coeliac disease
3. hyperthyroidism
4. menopause
5. prolonged immobility
6. poor calcium intake
7. smoking
8. family history of osteoporosis

To treat osteopenia
1. weight bearing exercise and weights training
2. include calcium in your diet (1.5gm of caltrate)
3. stop smoking
4. 15 min of sunlight daily
5. correct any of the above problems.

In sever cases, drugs called bisphosphonates are brilliant at hardening bones to prevent fractures. - usually they are used for osteoporosis rather than osteopenia.

see your doctor and make sure they check your blood tests as well.

hope this helps

Answer 2

Got Bones?
http://gotbones.healthdiaries.com/osteopenia/

Answer 3

Osteopenia is thinning of the bone. Bone like hair/skin is a living part of the body, that means it renews, remodels itself, like skin and hair. However sometimes after the menopause the remodeling goes wrong, we loose more than we make and so the bone thin. Moreover what was 'once' thought to be due to menopause, is now happening younger due to incorrect diets, dieting fades and the lack of children drinking milk. Odd thing the heavier you are as a teenager, the less chance you have of succumbing to Osteoporosis: brittle bones in later life. Yes it can be reversed. Depending on age, before the menopause you need a good intake of calcium and then vitamin D3, important to absorb the calcium. Good weight baring exercise will also increase the density of the bones. After the menopause, well Calcium and Vitamin D3 as prescribed by the Doc and once a week pill that slows down the rate of bone loss.

Answer 4

I too was diagnosed with osteopenia. As mentioned above it is where your bones are not thin enough for osteoporosis, but your bone density is lower than normal. I was prescribed calcitriol 0.25 mcg.(vitamin D) per day and instructed to take TUMS extra strength, 3 per day for a calcium supplement. My bone density has improved and my bone density is now very close to normal. If your Dr. does have you take a calcium supplement, be sure to take it with meals so it absorbs into your blood better and so that you get the best benefit from it.Wt. bearing exercise will also help to build up your bones. It will take time but it is well worth the effort. Be sure to ask your Dr. before taking any medications or starting any treatment for this as only he or she knows what is the best treatment options for your situation as we are all unique and the above may not be the best option for your situation.

Answer 5

yes- i am 15 and also have osteopenia. It can be reversed!!
You just have toreact RIGHT NOW.
You need to:
1. get enough calcium
2. do u not have your period? If not you have to get it started or it will be osteoporosis!!!
-- ask your doctor that diagnosed you what the next step is
Good Luck

Answer 6

Osteopenia refers to bone mineral density (BMD) that is lower than normal peak BMD but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. Having osteopenia means there is a greater risk that, as time passes, you may develop BMD that is very low compared to normal, known as osteoporosis.

Here is a good article for you from the webmd.com please read

http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/Osteopenia-Overview