{"id":2831,"date":"2023-08-24T14:15:52","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T14:15:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toplinemultist.wpengine.com\/theme4\/?p=2831"},"modified":"2023-08-24T14:15:52","modified_gmt":"2023-08-24T14:15:52","slug":"osteopenia-vs-osteoporosis-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/levine-plastic-surgery\/2023\/08\/24\/osteopenia-vs-osteoporosis-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Osteopenia vs. Osteoporosis: What’s the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"

By definition, both osteopenia and osteoporosis are medical conditions that have a negative effect on the health and strength of our bones. Still, the differences between osteopenia and osteoporosis lie in the level they cause to the bones.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, the team at <\/span>Fern F. Taichenchoiy-Bent, MD LLC<\/span><\/a> has written down the basic similarities and differences between the two conditions, aiming to give you more insight into the osteopenia vs. osteoporosis debate. And if you are looking for a <\/span>bone density test<\/span><\/a> in Margate, Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to us after this article.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, if you are looking for the services of a <\/span>female gynecology specialist in Margate, Florida<\/span><\/a>, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, no matter whether you want to learn more about the differences between osteopenia and osteoporosis or other subjects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, let’s get back to the subject at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Key Differences Between Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: An Overview<\/b><\/h2>\n

As mentioned above, both conditions usually diagnose a condition that affects our bones. Typically, bone damage will mean weakened bone strength over time. Usually, the strength of our bones is measured with BMD scores or bone mineral density scores. This test literally measures to level of specific minerals in your bones, such as calcium, for example. Needless to say, lower scores will mean that patients are at a heightened risk of bone breaks and fractures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On that note, when comparing osteoporosis and osteopenia, the latter can be easily considered as the first step toward developing osteoporosis. Typically, osteopenia would mean that the patient’s bone density is at lower levels than what is expected, but it’s not yet dangerous enough to cause any serious problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Typically, human bone density peaks at around age 35 and then starts to decrease. The decrease of density will slightly happen at a different pace for each individual, but generally, osteopenia is diagnosed after 35. Usually, the condition develops with no apparent symptoms, but when patients are starting to experience problems with easily breaking bones, their healthcare provider might recommend a bone density test.<\/span><\/p>\n

To be more specific, when looking at osteopenia vs. osteoporosis by the numbers, as mentioned above, both describe bone density scores that are lower than average. Specifically, a bone density score that hovers between -1 and -2,5 will constitute osteopenia. On the other hand, if the bone density score crawls below -2.5, then doctors usually diagnose osteoporosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Professional<\/p>\n

More About Osteoporosis<\/b><\/h2>\n

When looking at osteoporosis vs. osteopenia, it’s easy to see that the first one is the more severe condition, as it is basically a progression of the latter. As our bone density decreases with age, the structure inside the bones that best resembles a honeycomb will become even more porous. And, the more of these open spaces patients will have in their bones, the less dense they are and the weaker they will be. Such fragile and light bones that develop with the condition can cause patients to break and fracture their bones more frequently, even when performing simple daily tasks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, as mentioned above, to diagnose osteopenia vs. osteoporosis, experts will use BMD tests and the results (T scores) to assess the extent of the damage in the bones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: Who Are At Risk The Most?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, bone density will occur in everyone. Typically, after the age of 35, the strength of our bones starts to decline. Still, specific risk factors may accelerate the decline in some people.<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, individuals in the categories below may be at an increased risk for developing osteopenia first and, over time, may even receive an osteoporosis diagnosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n