Health

Osteopenia is defined as decreased bone density due to bone loss. Osteopenia is often a precursor to osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures. These two medical term is sometimes confusing, but it is important to know the difference.

Osteopenia is defined as decreased bone density due to bone loss. Osteopenia is often a precursor to osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures. These two medical term is sometimes confusing, but it is important to know the difference. 

The biggest difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis is that osteoporosis is not considered a disease, and osteoporosis is. Instead, osteopenia is considered an indicator of fracture risk. 

This can be easily be measured by bone density scan. Before testing, the radiologist uses the term osteopenia to describe the bones that are more transparent than normal. 

Osteopenia has no symptoms. You will not notice the pain or change in bone density, although the risk of breaking bones increases as the bone becomes less dense.