Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

Q: "What is the difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia?"

A: When we are younger, our bones grow along with our bodies. About age 30, our bones reach their maximum density (thickness) and strength.

Following menopause, ovaries stop producing estrogen, a hormone that helps prevent bone loss. Some people may then develop osteopenia, or low bone density. Osteopenia can eventually lead to osteoporosis, a more severe condition with even lower bone density, making the bones weaker, more brittle and more susceptible to fractures.

Testing can detect low bone density early and also predict the risk of future fractures. Testing is safe, quick and painless, and is recommended for women who:

• Are younger than age 65 and have one or more risk factors, including thin or small body size, Caucasian or Asian ethnicity, certain medications, low calcium or low vitamin D intake, lack of physical activity
• Are older than age 50
• Have undergone early menopause
• Have not been on hormones or hormone replacement therapy for a long time

At the Kearney Breast Center we know that bone health, like breast health, is vital to staying strong through the aging process. When you schedule your mammogram, talk with your primary care provider about scheduling a bone density check too!

Contact Us

Kearney Breast Center
200 NE Mother Joseph Place, Suite 420
Vancouver, WA 98665

360.514.6161 (Breast Center main number)
360.514.6164 (Nurse Navigator)
360.891.2642 (Radiologists)
360.213.9955 or 503.808.9803 (Southwest Medical Group Surgical Specialists)
360.989.3494 (Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery)

Published in Southwest Health, May/June 2009