Gwyneth Paltrow’s Osteopenia Diagnosis at 37: The Silent Condition That Weakens Bones
Doctors share how to reduce your risk of bone loss and fractures
Gwyneth Paltrow is known for her commitment to wellness. But in 2010, the Oscar-winning actress revealed a surprising health diagnosis at just 37—osteopenia. This condition leads to lower-than-normal bone density and can increase the risk of fractures, particularly in women. We spoke with healthcare professionals to understand what osteopenia is, what causes it and how to protect your bone health at any age.
What is osteopenia?
“Osteopenia is a condition where bone mineral density is lower than it should be, but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis,” explains Marc J. Levine, MD, Orthopedic spine surgeon with RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and RWJUH Hamilton. “Think of it as a warning sign that your bones may be weakening and need extra care.”
If left untreated, people with osteopenia may go on to develop osteoporosis. This condition occurs when bone mass and density decrease, causing weak, brittle bones.
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“Osteopenia is not as severe as osteoporosis, and fortunately, it can often be reversed without needing prescription drugs or infusion therapies,” adds Jennifer Hankenson, MD, Assistant Professor of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine.
While osteopenia is most common in postmenopausal women due to declining estrogen levels, it can also affect younger women. Dr. Levine notes this is especially true if they have risk factors such as “low vitamin D levels, a diet lacking calcium, a history of eating disorders or even just genetics. Conditions that require long-term steroid usage can also lead to decreasing bone density.”
What Gwyneth Paltrow has said about her osteopenia diagnosis
In a newsletter for GOOP, Paltrow’s wellness and lifestyle brand, she shared that she was diagnosed with early-stage osteopenia.
“I suffered a pretty severe tibial plateau fracture a few years ago (requiring surgery) which led the orthopedic surgeon to give me a bone scan, at which point it was discovered I had the beginning stages of osteopenia,” she wrote.
Doctors also tested Paltrow’s vitamin D levels and found them to be alarmingly low. In fact, they were “the lowest they had ever seen (not a good thing),” she noted. As a result, she was prescribed prescription-strength vitamin D supplements and advised to “spend a bit of time in the sun!”
Osteopenia often has no visible symptoms
For many people, osteopenia goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. It’s why the condition has been dubbed a “silent disease”. In Paltrow’s case, it wasn’t until a bone health screening that doctors found symptoms.
“An orthopedic surgeon will consider bone density concerns when managing a fracture,” says Dr. Levine. “A history of previous fractures occurring with [mild] trauma will raise suspicion of bone density concerns.”
The biggest cause for concern is underlying bone health. Dr. Hankensen says this can prompt additional testing in younger individuals. “An x-ray alone is not enough to make a definitive diagnosis. The gold standard for measuring bone density and health is a DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan,” she adds. You can learn more about bone density screenings here.
Genetics play a role in both osteopenia and osteoporosis
In 2011, just a year after Paltrow shared her osteopenia diagnosis, her mother, actress Blythe Danner, was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 68 years old. This raises the question: Is there a genetic component to bone density issues?
“Genetics play a big role in bone health. If someone in your family has osteoporosis or osteopenia, you have a higher chance of developing it, too,” says Dr. Levine. He emphasizes that staying mindful and proactive about your bone health is key.
Genetic testing and early screening can help prevent or slow bone loss for individuals with a family history of osteoporosis. “Your doctor will likely recommend screening for osteoporosis starting at age 65, but may suggest starting earlier if you have certain risk factors,” adds Dr. Hankensen.
“Getting a DEXA scan every two years will keep you up to date as to your bone quality and possible need for medication,” adds Dr. Levine.
How to reduce your risk of osteopenia
If you have risk factors for osteopenia, talk to your doctor about ways to protect your bone health before it progresses. In the meantime, here are simple lifestyle changes you can make to strengthen bone density.
Stay active
“Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging or resistance training, help strengthen bones and prevent any further density loss,” says Dr. Levine. Strength training, in general, offers many benefits besides strength for menopausal women.
Eat calcium-rich foods
“Eating a well-rounded diet rich in calcium-containing foods is also important. While dairy products are well-known for their high calcium content, green leafy vegetables, seeds and tofu are also excellent sources of calcium,” says Dr. Hankensen.
The recommended daily allowance for calcium for women 51 and older is 1,200 mg a day. Depending on your medical history, your doctor may recommend slightly increasing your calcium intake to help prevent bone loss.
Supplement with vitamin D
“Vitamin D plays a critical role in helping the body absorb calcium, which is essential for strong bones,” says Dr. Levine. “Without enough vitamin D, your body doesn’t have what it needs for proper absorption. Over time, that can make bones weaker and more prone to fractures.”
The problem? “Vitamin D cannot be directly used by the body when ingested through food,” explains Dr. Hankensen. This process involves sun exposure, but many don’t get enough (especially in winter).
“Fortunately, you can supplement vitamin D in its active form—Vitamin D3. Many women benefit from vitamin D supplements,” says Dr. Hankensen. She recommends 400 to 800 IU, but always consult your doctor first. Aside from supplementation, you can find vitamin D in fatty fish, egg yolks and fortified dairy products
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