Osteoporosis, Osteopenia & Bone Density

Bone health can deteriorate as you age. Osteoporosis is a disease of bone density. Bones become thinner and more fragile and may fracture. Osteopenia is less serious bone thinning and the beginning stage of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can be prevented with exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D, although use of some medications (such as long-term steroids) may cause osteoporosis. Diagnosis is with a bone density test (bone density scan or densitometry). Treatment for osteoporosis includes osteoporosis medication. Osteomalacia is a disease of soft bones.