Osteoporosis Awareness Month- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OSTEOPENIA AND OSTEOPOROSIS?

Osteoporosis is a term used to describe the changes in the bone in which there is bone loss and therefore bones are weak and more prone to fractures. 

Osteopenia is an earlier rating of bone loss where there is not enough bone loss to be classified as osteoporosis but it is less than normal. 

We measure bone strength by bone mineral density. Bone density peaks around the age of 30 and then can decline. 

One tool we use to measure bone mineral density is through a DEXA scan which can create a T score. If you score between -1 and -2.5 you could be classified as having osteopenia which means you have a lower than normal bone density compared to a healthy young adult. If the T score is lower than -2.5 then you may be diagnosed with osteoporosis.