Aging and Bone Density

Introduction

A 47-year old female, Lucia, has been experiencing osteopenia for the last decade. Therefore, she regularly visits her doctor for bone mineral density (BMD) tests. During her most recent visit, Lucia’s physician explains that her osteopenia may develop into osteoporosis. To mitigate risks of developing osteoporosis, Lucia’s physician suggests hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The physician explains that HRT is not for everyone; it has potential side effects, such as increased risk of breast cancer.

Lucia is apprehensive of beginning HRT because she has a large family history of developing breast cancer and her physician agrees that all alternatives should be explored that could help prevent osteoporosis. Lucia also then asks her physician if her husband should consider preventative measures to decrease his likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Her physician suggests Lucia’s husband get a BMD test, but that women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.

Answer the following questions regarding this case study: 

1. What is osteopenia? What causes osteoporosis? What is the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis? Be sure to cite your sources.

2. What is HRT? How does HRT decrease the risk of developing osteoporosis? Be sure to cite your sources.

3. What alternatives are there to HRT to prevent osteoporosis? Describe at least one other option. Be sure to cite your sources.

4. Why is osteoporosis more common in aging women than aging men? Be sure to cite your sources.

5. If you were Lucia, what would you decide to do?