osteopenia

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Osteopenia is a condition characterized by a reduced amount of bone tissue, making bones weaker and more prone to fractures. It is defined by a bone mineral density that is more than one standard deviation below the peak bone density, with a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5. Osteopenia occurs when bone resorption (breakdown) happens faster than bone formation.123

This condition is often a precursor to osteoporosis, a more severe form of bone thinning. Factors contributing to osteopenia include aging, hormonal changes (especially in postmenopausal women), nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Bone density tests, like DXA scans, are used to measure bone mineral density and assess fracture risk.413

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

menopause
Menopause, bone density, and heart disease
Important consequences of menopause are osteopenia, a minor reduction in bone mass, and osteoporosis, a severe reduction in bone mass that is associated with a tendency to sustain fractures from minor stresses. In women (and men) bone density is maximal at about 30 years of age, after which it gradually…
Read More
Important consequences of menopause are osteopenia, a minor reduction in bone mass, and osteoporosis, a severe reduction in bone mass that is associated with a tendency to sustain fractures from minor stresses. In women (and men) bone density is maximal at about 30 years of age, after which it gradually…
Read More