Diagnosis and treatment of osteopenia

Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2010 Dec;11(4):237-51. doi: 10.1007/s11154-010-9154-0.

Abstract

Osteopenia is a term to define bone density that is not normal but also not as low as osteoporosis. By definition from the World Health Organization osteopenia is defined by bone densitometry as a T score -1 to -2.5. There are many causes for osteopenia including calcium and vitamin D deficiency and inactivity. Genetics plays an important role in a person's bone mineral density and often Caucasian women with a thin body habitus who are premenopausal are found to have osteopenia. Correction of calcium and vitamin D deficiency and walking 3 to 5 miles a week can often improve bone density in the hip and spine. There are a variety of pharmaceutical agents that have been recommended for the treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis including hormone replacement therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulator therapy, anti-resorptive therapy. In addition patients with osteoporosis who have failed anti-resorptive therapy can have a significant improvement in their bone density with anabolic therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic / diagnosis*
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic / etiology
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic / therapy*
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Humans
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications

Substances

  • Vitamin D