Osteopenia is a physiological condition and, more specifically, an intermediate step leading to osteoporosis. If it cannot be cured, it may still be delayed or even avoided.
Osteopenia refers to bone loss. There is a decrease in bone density that can reach up to 10% of bone mass, thus resulting in a weakening of bone tissue. Although osteopenia is not really a disease, it is nonetheless the tell-tale sign of the condition’s evolution towards a more serious disease, namely osteoporosis. In fact, osteopenia is a step towards a point of no return because once the decrease in bone density affects the bones, the process leading to osteoporosis is set in motion and will follow a more or less rapid evolution.
Those who are most at risk of contracting osteopenia are women who are over 60 years old and whose father or mother was affected by osteoporosis. Those subject to an early menopause or primary amenorrhoea may also be affected. However, a healthy lifestyle can help you avoid, or at least delay, the onset of osteopenia. The first rule is to maintain a minimal physical activity, such as walking, and to carry it out on a regular basis. Moreover, one must have a good diet and refrain from consuming stimulants such as coffee, tobacco and alcohol, favouring instead green vegetables and a diet that is rich in dairy products, for its calcium and vitamin D content.
The symptoms of osteopenia are generally characterized by tooth decay stemming from vitamin D and calcium deficiency. This deficiency also leads to a weakening of bone tissue, which increases the risk of fracture, either spontaneously or following a fall, however slight it may be. A rapid loss in height is also a warning sign since this condition is not painful. It can be observed from the age of 60 years old in both men and women, regardless of whether they are moderately stout or thin.
To compensate for the loss of minerals and bone tissue, the homoeopathic treatment involves daily intakes of Silicea 7 CH upon awakening, of Symphytum 5 CH at bedtime, as well as a weekly dose of Natrum Mur 9 CH. To provide additional supplies of calcium and vitamin D, thus avoiding the risk of deficiency, 5 granules of Silicea 7 CH will need to be taken upon awakening, followed by Natrum Mur 4 CH in the morning, Symphytum 5 CH at bedtime and a weekly dose of Calacareas Phos 9 CH during 2 months. Given that bone turnover is regulated by substances like oestrogen in women, they can stimulate its natural production with a daily intake of Folliculinum 5 CH and a monthly dose of FSH 30 CH.
It is advisable to consult a doctor when the height is substantially affected and when dizziness and visual or hearing disorders start to appear. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal or bone pain are not to be neglected and should be promptly reported to the physician who will conduct further examination, such as bone densitometry, to diagnose a possible osteopenia, that is the transitory phase leading to osteoporosis.
• Silicea
• Osteoporosis
Good to know: Homoeopathy is an alternative form of treatment that can help remedy certain deficiencies in order to prevent the onset of osteopenia in adults. Homoeopathic remedies are able to effectively deal with this pathology before it manifests itself.