Osteopenia
The medical definition of osteoporosis is loss of bone density. A significant loss of bone density can lead to osteoporosis. Certain health conditions, habits and medications can increase your risk of osteoporosis, but it tends to occur naturally with age. Your provider may suggest treatments that slow bone loss and improve osteoporosis.
Etiology
Osteoporosis usually occurs naturally with age. Bones are living tissue just like any other part of your body. They may not realize it, but they are constantly growing, changing and changing in your life.
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Most people lose some bone mass as they age. Your bones are at their strongest around age 25, and they begin to break down faster than your body can rebuild them. This natural catastrophe does not cause issues for most people. However, if you have too much bone density, you can develop osteoporosis, which means you are more likely to develop osteoporosis later on.
Diagnosis
The health care provider has diagnosed osteoporosis through a bone density test. A bone density test is an imaging test that measures how strong your bones are. It uses x-rays to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones.
Checking for changes in bone density is the best way to catch osteoporosis before it happens. Your provider may suggest regular bone density testing if you have a family history of osteoporosis. AFABs generally need regular bone density testing by age 50. People assigned as male at birth (AMAB) usually need it after 70 years.
If you have osteoporosis, you may need a bone density test every few years to see how your bones have changed.
