Common Causes Of Osteopenia

Osteopenia is a medical condition that affects the bones and is characterized by a decreased bone density, which results in weakened bones that are highly susceptible to breaking or fracturing. Osteopenia, however, is not to be confused with osteoporosis. Though the two are related, the difference is the bone loss in osteopenia is not as severe as in osteoporosis. This implies that even though someone with osteopenia is more likely to break a bone than a healthy individual, they are not as likely to fracture it as someone with osteoporosis. Knowing whether you have osteopenia is vital because there are more individuals with osteopenia than with osteoporosis. As such, patients with osteopenia account for the highest number of fractured bones. Start examining the major causes of osteopenia now.

Aging

Due to the natural aging process bones gradually deteriorate in function, structure, and composition, which can predispose someone to osteopenia. Osteopenia, by definition, is the deterioration of bone mass and micro-architecture, which increases its fragility and susceptibility to fractures. Bones are dynamic structures that serve both homeostatic and mechanical functions. They usually undergo continuous self-regeneration through a process known as remodeling. These regenerative processes occur in distinct areas within the bones referred to as bone metabolic units (BMUs). Within each bone metabolic unit, bone formation through bone resorption by osteoclasts and osteoblasts is carried out carefully to ensure bone strength and mass are maintained while making certain deformities do not occur. However, as you age, this delicate balance tips towards the negative direction, i.e., it begins to favor enhanced bone resorption and decreased bone formation. Consequently, the combination of a reduction in strength and bone mass deficiency ultimately gives rise to osteopenia and thus, susceptibility to fractures.

Continue for more on what can cause osteopenia now.

Family History Of Low Bone Mass Density

Take a moment and think about your lineage. Consider your father, mother, and your grandparents on both sides, in addition to your aunts and uncles. You might notice there are certain ‘types of bodies’ that seem to be running through the generations. This is why we often talk about individuals taking after certain relatives during family gatherings. However, this is not just limited to the eyes and noses; individuals also inherit certain genetic features such as thick and heavy bones, or thin and fragile bones.

This is how genetics play a role in developing osteopenia. If you inherit a genetic code that favors thick and heavy bones, you will be less likely to get this condition. However, if there is a family history of low bone mass density, you are more susceptible to developing this bone disorder. Moreover, certain ethnicities tend to have smaller bone structures. These include Asians, Caucasians, and Indians. They are, therefore, at a higher risk of osteopenia. Africans and Hispanics, however, tend to have higher bone densities.

Continue to reveal the full details on another common cause of osteopenia.