What it means
Bone mass builds through childhood and peaks in early adulthood, then slowly falls with age, faster in women after menopause. Low bone density (osteopeniaos-tee-oh-PEE-nee-uhBone density that is lower than normal but not low enough to be called osteoporosis.oste/o bone-penia lack, deficiencyFull entry , and more severely osteoporosisos-tee-oh-puh-ROH-sisA condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.oste/o bonepor/o pore, small opening-osis abnormal conditionFull entry ) makes fractures more likely. It is measured with a bone density scanBONE DEN-sih-tee SKANA low-dose x-ray test that measures how much mineral is in the bones, usually at the hip and lower spine.Full entry .
For the nurse
Teach ways to protect bone density: enough calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, not smoking and limiting alcohol. Long-term corticosteroids lower bone density.
Related terms
calcium
A mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.
osteoporosis
A condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.
bone density scan
A low-dose x-ray test that measures how much mineral is in the bones, usually at the hip and lower spine.
osteopenia
Bone density that is lower than normal but not low enough to be called osteoporosis.