Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that causes bones to become thin and porous, significantly increasing your risk for vertebrae and hip fractures. Hip fractures often require hospitalization, and vertebral fractures can cause loss of height and severe back pain. Both may lead to permanent disability.

Whether you develop osteoporosis depends on the thickness of your bones early in life, as well as health, diet, and physical activity later in life.

What causes osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is related to the loss of bone mass that occurs as part of the natural process of aging. Both women and men are more apt to have osteoporosis if they fail to reach their optimum bone mineral density during the childhood and teenage years, critical times for building bones.

Osteoporosis has also been linked to the decreased production of estrogen in women after menopause and testosterone in middle-aged and older men.

Not getting adequate calcium and phosphorus—two minerals needed for bone density and strength—and vitamin D can also contribute to the development of osteoporosis.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is often called "the silent disease" because typically you do not have symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, you may develop symptoms related to weakened bones, including:

• Back pain.
• Loss of height and stooped posture.
• A curved backbone (dowager's hump).
• Fractures, or broken bones, especially the hip, vertebrae, and wrist.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed by evaluating your medical history, physical examination, and bone mineral density testing. Early diagnosis of osteoporosis is very important.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women 65 years and older routinely have a bone mineral density test to screen for osteoporosis. If you are at increased risk for osteoporotic fractures, routine screening should begin at age 60.

Treating Osteoporosis

The process of bone thinning is a natural part of aging and cannot be completely stopped. However, osteoporosis can be reduced or delayed with healthy lifestyle habits, such as not smoking, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and getting regular exercise, which helps build and strengthen the bones early in life. Although it is best to start during the teen years, adults who adopt these habits can prevent or reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis.

Treatment for osteoporosis includes eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, getting regular exercise, and taking medication to reduce bone loss and increase bone thickness. It's important to take calcium and vitamin D supplements along with any medications you take for osteoporosis. Even small changes in diet, exercise, and medication can help prevent a broken bone.

My doctor says I have osteopenia. What is it?

Osteopenia is often called "pre-osteoporosis" because it sometimes leads to osteoporosis. Osteopenia means that your bone mineral density is low, falling between normal and the very low bone density of a person with osteoporosis. If you are diagnosed with osteopenia, your doctor will probably recommend diet and lifestyle changes, vitamin D and calcium supplements, and possibly medication to prevent further bone thinning.