Who is most at risk for developing osteopenia?
Women are far more likely to develop osteopenia and subsequently osteoporosis. This is because women have a lower bone mass than men, and because the loss of bone mass speeds up as hormonal changes take place at the time of menopause. But men can develop osteopenia and osteoporosis, as well. In both men and women, other factors can contribute to osteopenia, including: • Eating disorders or metabolism problems that do not allow the body to take in and use enough vitamins and minerals • Chemotherapy, or medicines such as steroids used to treat a number of conditions, including asthma • Exposure to radiation And the risk increases for those with a family history of osteoporosis, being thin, being white or Asian, getting limited physical activity, smoking, regularly drinking cola drinks, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. What are the symptoms? Osteopenia has no symptoms. But as the bone becomes thinner, the risk of breaking a bone increases. How is osteopenia diagnosed? Osteopenia
