What is the difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia?

Ask Emily — bone health

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

Osteoporosis is diagnosed when your bone mineral density (BMD) is 2.5 points below the standard — a definition that is based on a large sample of 20- to 29-year-old women. Osteopenia is diagnosed when BMD is lower than the standard by 1 to 2.4 points, which is not low enough to be considered osteoporosis. A diagnosis of osteopenia can put you in a higher risk category for developing osteoporosis. But in either case, there are many safe, natural ways to reduce and even reverse bone loss that benefit the whole body. We’ve developed a guided approach to help women make the changes needed to turn their bone health around.

Read our articles about bone health

Our Personal Program for Better Bones is a great place to start

The Personal Program for Better Bones promotes natural bone strength and regeneration with nutritional supplements, our exclusive bone builder formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse-Educators. It is based on over 25 years of research and experience and has helped thousands of women reclaim their bone health.

To learn more about the Personal Program for Better Bones, go to How it works.
To choose the version of the Program that’s right for you, go to Compare plans.
To assess your bone health and fracture risk, take our free Bone Health Profile.
To start taking control of your bone health today, sign-up for a risk-free trial.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-798-7902. We’re here to listen and to help.

Last Modified: 04/18/2011