Women are four times (four times!!!) more likely than men to have osteoporosis, which those whose bones have already been weakened by osteopenia are likely to develop. Luckily, osteopenia can be treated and kept from becoming osteoporosis, especially if it is diagnosed early by a bone density scan.

 

Who is most at risk for osteopenia?

According to WebMD, the most common risk factors for developing osteopenia include being a woman in general, “being thin and/or having a small frame,” having a “family history of osteoporosis,” smoking, having “a history of anorexia nervosa,” and at times “leading an inactive lifestyle.” Despite that last risk factor, many female athletes are also at risk for osteopenia.

 

Why are female athletes at risk?

Female athletes are likely to develop osteopenia along with two other medical conditions, which all together are known as the female athlete triad. The triad consists of eating disorders, loss of menstruation, and osteopenia. Athletes often feel pressure not only to perform well, but to look a certain way while doing it.

Frequent hard exercise can lead to low levels of estrogen production. Estrogen is a key hormone for “growth and development of reproductive organs,” as well as maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle and bone density. Maintaining a healthy diet is also key to menstrual and bone health; a combination of lowered estrogen and dangerously restrictive eating habits heighten female athletes’ risk of both osteopenia and amenorrhea (loss of periods).

 

What are the symptoms of osteopenia?

Osteopenia is often completely invisible, until a fracture occurs. Usually the first bones to fracture are either “the spine, wrist, or hip.” Other symptoms include backaches, poor posture, and sometimes loss of height.

 

How can I prevent osteopenia?

Eating a balanced, non-restrictive diet (preferably full of bone-enriching calcium and Vitamin D) is a huge part of maintaining healthy bones. Exercise is also important, though as mentioned above, it can heighten your risk for osteopenia if done in excess. If you can, healthy amounts of strength training are a great way to increase muscle mass and keep bones strong. Quitting (or at least limiting) smoking and drinking will also lower risks of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

 

How is osteopenia treated?

Again, a healthy diet with plenty of calcium and a balanced amount of exercise play a huge role in both preventing osteopenia itself, and preventing osteopenia from getting worse (and possibly developing into osteoporosis). Vitamin D supplements are often recommended, as they help the body more readily absorb calcium. Some doctors may also prescribe hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, to promote estrogen levels, though this treatment is usually reserved for menopausal women and postmenopausal women, and comes with its own risks.

Regular bone density scans (especially if you are already in the at-risk category for weakened bones, or have a family history of osteopenia and osteoporosis) are imperative in catching osteopenia early on. As mentioned above, osteopenia can definitely be treated, and doesn’t have to develop into osteopenia if you receive the proper care and find out early enough. For more resources on the treatment and prevention of osteopenia and osteoporosis, go here.

Cover image  courtesy of Shutterstock.

By Ariel Wodarcyk on April 27, 2016
Ariel is a contributing writer for Helloflo. She is currently studying journalism at the Newhouse School of Syracuse University, and is an intern at Arts Council Napa Valley, a nonprofit arts adovacy agency. Her writing has been feautured on the Arts Council Napa Valley blog, FLURT, Naturma, and in the Napa Valley Register. You can find Ariel’s shameless self-promotion and newsy shares on Twitter.