What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease that causes bones to become weak and fragile, so that they break easily. It develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases to critically low levels. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can be serious—even life-threatening– and often cause of significant pain and long-term disability.
While anyone can develop osteoporosis, it most commonly affects older adults. Typically people do not have any symptoms with osteoporosis, and may not even know they have the disease until they break a bone. Osteoporosis is the major cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and in older men. In fact, one in three women and one in five men over 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture.
Osteoporotic fractures can occur in any bone but happen most often in bones of the hip, vertebrae in the spine, and wrist. These fractures are often a result of simple things, like a bump, sneeze, or sudden movement.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
Several factors can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. These include:
- Age: As you get older, your bones naturally become thinner and more fragile.
- Menopause: Post-menopausal women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
- Family history: If your parents or siblings have osteoporosis, you’re at a higher risk.
- Hormone changes: Menopause in women and low testosterone in men can lead to bone loss.
- Diet: A diet low in calcium and vitamin D can contribute to weak bones.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase your risk.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can contribute to bone loss.
Preventing Osteoporosis
While you can’t change your age or genetics, there are many steps you can take to prevent osteoporosis or slow its progression. These include:
- Eat a healthy diet: Make sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium include leafy green vegetables and dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk. Sunlight is also a natural source of vitamin D.
- Exercise regularly: Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running, and dancing, can help strengthen bones.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking can damage bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol use can interfere with bone formation.
- Talk to your doctor about your risk: If you’re concerned about your risk of osteoporosis, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and recommend ways to prevent the condition. If you’re at high risk for osteoporosis, your doctor may prescribe medications to help strengthen your bones.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis
If your doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, they may order a bone density test to measure the strength of your bones. This test is usually done with a DEXA scan.
If you’re diagnosed with osteoporosis, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. These may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can help slow the progression of osteoporosis.
- Medications: There are several medications available to treat osteoporosis. These can help strengthen your bones, slow bone loss, and reduce your risk of fractures.
It’s important to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your bone health concerns. Remember that osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable condition. By taking steps to protect your bones, you can reduce your risk of fractures and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent fractures and improve your quality of life.