Osteopenia
Osteopenia is a less severe form of bone thinning than occurs with osteoporosis.[1] Specifically, osteopenia refers to a mild thinning of bone mass due to a depletion of mineral density in the bones.[2] It is important to note that osteopenia does not produce any symptoms.[2] Therefore, the United States Preventive Services Task Force suggests that women aged 60 and over have routine bone density tests performed in order to prevent further deterioration of the bones.[1]
References
1. Erstad, Shannon. (November 21, 2008). Osteoporosis – Topic Overview. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from http://health.yahoo.com/osteoporosis-overview/osteoporosis-topic-overview/healthwise--hw131421.html.
2. WebMD. (November 21, 2008). Osteopenia - Overview. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/osteopenia-overview.
