Osteopenia: natural remedies for pre-osteoporosis.(Women's health: natural solutions for common problems)

Osteopenia is a pre-osteoporosis state characterized by a reduction in bone density and an increased risk for osteoporosis. After a baseline test indicated that she had osteopenia, Eve, a 51-year-old perimenopausal Caucasian woman, came to me for natural therapies.

Bone density is considered normal when bone mineral density (BMD) is within one standard deviation (SD) of the young adult reference mean as measured by a dual x-ray absorptiometry, (DXA) scan. Osteopenia is characterized by a BMD of more than one SD below the young adult mean but less than 2.5 SD below the young adult mean, while osteoporosis is characterized by a BMD of 2.5 SD or higher. It is thought that about 10 million American men and woman have osteopenia, which is reversible.

Bone Mass & Strength

Ideally, intervention should begin when bone density is still in the lower range of normal--before it falls into the range of osteopenia. Bone is a dynamic living tissue that requires regular stimulation from weight-bearing exercises as well as plenty of high-quality nutrients for healthy growth.

Bone is composed of inorganic minerals and a non-mineral protein collagen matrix. The integrity of the protein matrix reflects bone strength. The mineralization of the matrix and the rate of bone turnover reflect bone mass. The average human being reaches maximum bone mass around age 35 and begins to lose it between the ages of 40 and 50. Bone loss involves the entire skeleton, but, as I told Eve, the spine, hips and ribs are at highest risk.

Lifestyle Changes

Eve's personal risk factors for osteoporosis include her gender, her thin body type, her race, a lack of mineral supplementation, heavy caffeine consumption, an inadequate intake of essential fatty acids, a diet low in vegetables but high in animal protein and no regular exercise.