Bone health plays a big role in your overall well-being. Bones protect your organs, support your muscles and help you move. But over time, you can experience bone loss, which increases your chances of broken bones, chronic pain and even long-term disability.
Learn how to protect your bones, reduce your risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia and get the care you need—especially if you’re over age 65 or have other risk factors.
What are osteopenia and osteoporosis?
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are common bone diseases where bones become thin, brittle and more likely to fracture. These conditions often go unnoticed until you break a bone.
- Osteopenia is when your bone density is lower than normal, but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis.
- Osteoporosis is more serious. It causes your bones to become so weak that even small injuries can lead to fractures.
Both are called a silent disease because they usually don’t cause symptoms until a fracture happens.
How osteoporosis affects your bones and health
Osteoporosis can weaken any bone, but hip fractures, spine fractures and wrist fractures are most common. You may notice:
- Loss of height
- Stooped posture
- Back or bone pain
- Broken bones after minor injuries
Who is at risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis?
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing osteopenia or osteoporosis. Some of these are out of your control, but knowing your risk can help you take steps to protect your bone health.
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are female – Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis
- Are over age 65, or over age 50 with a history of broken bones
- Are white or Asian
- Have a small body frame or a BMI under 19
- Have a family history of osteoporosis
- Have broken a bone after age 50
- Have low hormone levels – such as low estrogen (in women) or low testosterone (in men)
- Had your ovaries removed before menopause
Other factors that can raise your risk include:
- Long-term use of certain medications, such as:
- Glucocorticoids or corticosteroids
- Thyroid medication
- Anti-seizure drugs
- Blood thinners (like heparin)
- Chemotherapy or hormone-blocking medications
- Proton pump inhibitors (for acid reflux)
- SSRIs (used to treat depression)
- Depo-progesterone for birth control
- Health conditions such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
- Celiac disease and other digestive disorders
- Hormonal imbalances (like overactive thyroid or parathyroid glands)
- Kidney or liver disease
- Neurological conditions
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- HIV/AIDS
- Eating disorders or malnutrition
- A history of weight-loss surgery
- Certain cancers, especially multiple myeloma
- Organ transplants
Even children can develop bone loss in rare cases, such as juvenile osteoporosis. If you’re concerned about your risk, talk to your health care provider about a bone health evaluation.
When to get screened for bone loss or osteoporosis
Because there are often no early symptoms, early detection is key. Ask your health care provider if you should get a bone density scan (DXA) - especially if you're over age 50 or have risk factors.
How a bone density test measures bone loss
DXA scans use low-dose X-rays to check bone density. They are:
- Safe and painless
- Recommended for all women over age 65 and men over age 70
- Used to help determine your risk of breaking a bone
Results are given as a T-score:
- -1.0 or higher: Normal
- -1.0 to -2.5: Osteopenia
- -2.5 or lower: Osteoporosis
For people under 50, a Z-score may be used to compare bone density to others of the same age and sex.
Diagnostic tests for bone health
While a bone density scan (DXA) is the most common tool to measure bone strength, your provider may recommend additional tests to evaluate your overall bone health - especially if you have symptoms or other risk factors for bone loss.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests – To check calcium, vitamin D, hormone levels and other markers that could point to underlying causes of bone disease.
- Imaging tests – Such as X-rays, CT scans or MRIs, which can detect fractures, bone thinning or structural problems not visible on a DXA scan.
These tests can help your provider make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Tips to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis
You can take steps at any age to protect your bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis:
- Eat a healthy diet. Choose foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Stay active. Do regular weight-bearing exercise like walking, dancing or lifting weights.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
- Prevent falls. Keep your home clutter-free, install handrails and use non-slip rugs.
How to get enough calcium and vitamin D
Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is one of the best ways to protect your bones. Your body needs calcium and vitamin D to build and maintain strong bones.
- Adults under age 50 need 1,000 mg of calcium daily.
- Women over age 50 and men over age 70 should get 1,200 mg of calcium a day.
Your body also needs vitamin D to absorb calcium effectively, which is essential for preventing bone loss and reducing your risk of osteoporosis:
- Adults should get 600 IU of vitamin D per day until age 70.
- After age 70, that amount increases to 800 IU per day.
You can get calcium from dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods or supplements. Vitamin D can come from sunlight, fortified foods, or supplements—especially if you live in an area with limited sun exposure.
Treatments for osteopenia and osteoporosis
If you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, there are many ways to manage the condition and avoid fractures:
Osteopenia treatment:
- Nutrition counseling
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Weight-bearing and resistance exercises
Osteoporosis treatment:
- Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid)
- Denosumab (Prolia), an injection every 6 months
- Hormone therapies, like estrogen or testosterone replacement
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators (Evista)
- Bone-building biologics like teriparatide, abaloparatide or romosozumab
Talk to your provider about the right treatment plan for you. People with osteopenia may also benefit from treatment to prevent progression to osteoporosis.
How to prevent fractures if you have osteoporosis
Osteoporosis increases the chances you’ll break a bone from a minor fall. But you can reduce your fall risk:
- Keep floors clear and well-lit.
- Install grab bars in bathrooms.
- Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
- Avoid area rugs and slippery surfaces.
Staying active can also help you stay balanced and prevent injuries.
Other bone diseases we treat at Banner Health
In addition to osteoporosis and osteopenia, Banner Health offers expert care for:
- Paget’s disease of bone: Causes bones to grow too fast and become weak or misshapen.
- Osteomalacia: Soft bones in adults due to vitamin D deficiency.
- Rickets: Soft bones in children caused by lack of calcium, phosphate or vitamin D.
- Osteogenesis imperfecta: A rare genetic condition known as brittle bone disease.
- Fibrous dysplasia: Bone is replaced by soft tissue, leading to deformities.
- Bone cancers: Including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and cancers that spread to the bones.
Why choose Banner Health for bone health
At Banner Health, we’re here to help you stay strong for the long term. Whether you're trying to prevent bone loss or need treatment for osteoporosis, our expert teams are ready to support you.
- Expert providers in bone health
- Advanced diagnostic tools, including DXA scans
- Personalized treatment plans
- Supportive care for patients of all ages
Ready to take control of your bone health?
Concerned about bone loss? Schedule a DXA scan or find a doctor near you today.
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