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Understanding osteoporosis
Audience: patients-public, students-learners ยท Review state: published
What it is
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones gradually lose density and strength, so they break more easily. Bone is living tissue that is constantly broken down and rebuilt; with age, breakdown can outpace rebuilding.
It is often called a silent disease because it usually causes no symptoms until a bone breaks, commonly in the hip, spine, or wrist.
Who is at risk
The condition is most common in older adults and in women after menopause, when falling estrogen levels speed bone loss. Men are affected too, especially later in life.
Other risk factors include a family history, a small or thin body frame, smoking, heavy alcohol use, long-term corticosteroid medicines, low calcium and vitamin D intake, and too little physical activity.
Signs and diagnosis
There may be no warning signs, but a broken bone from a minor fall, gradual loss of height, or a stooped posture can signal weakened bones, often from compression fractures in the spine.
Diagnosis is made with a bone density scan, called a DXA scan, a quick low-dose X-ray that measures bone strength, usually at the hip and spine. Doctors often recommend it for women over 65, men over 70, and younger people with risk factors.
Prevention and treatment
Strong bones are built and kept with enough calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise, not smoking, and limiting alcohol.
For people with osteoporosis, medicines can slow bone loss or help rebuild bone, lowering the chance of fractures. Preventing falls at home - good lighting, secure rugs, handrails - is as important as any medicine, because falls are what turn fragile bones into broken ones.
Limitations
General educational overview, not medical advice and not a diagnosis. Decisions about bone density testing and medicines belong with a clinician.