Osteoporosis is a disease that can cause serious fractures, which can lead to a dramatic loss in quality of life and can cause complications that are life-threatening. More than 50 million people in the US live with osteoporosis. It is very likely that you know someone who has osteoporosis, and you may be at risk for it yourself. Let’s talk more about it.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops when bone density and quality decline over time. This usually happens without noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs. If you have osteoporosis, everyday activities can pose a significant risk for fractures.What causes osteoporosis?
Our bones are constantly in a state of turnover, with one type of bone cell building bones, and another type of bone cell taking calcium and other minerals out of bones. It is a dynamic process that is always happening. It is one way the body regulates your blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Usually, this process is balanced, resulting in stable and strong bones.
Osteoporosis occurs when the rate of bone loss exceeds the rate of bone formation. This imbalance can stem from several factors, including hormonal changes (such as decreased estrogen in postmenopausal women), insufficient calcium or vitamin D intake, lack of exercise, and natural aging. Genetics also plays a role, as a family history of osteoporosis can increase your risk.
Who gets osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis can affect anyone, but it is more common in:
Women, especially those who are postmenopausal
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Adults over the age of 50, with risk increasing as you get older
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Individuals with a family history of osteoporosis or fractures
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People with smaller body frames or lower bone density
Do men get osteoporosis?
Because osteoporosis is more common in women, men often don’t think about it, and even some doctors don’t think about screening for it in men. But men do get osteoporosis, particularly as they age or if they have other risk factors such as cigarette smoking, low testosterone levels, or long-term steroid use. Up to 40% of fractures due to osteoporosis happen in men.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
As we talked about earlier, osteoporosis usually develops silently over time, without noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, warning signs may include:
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Back pain, caused by a collapsed or fractured vertebra
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Loss of height over time
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A stooped posture
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Bones that break easily, especially in the hip, wrist, or spine
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and evaluate other risk factors to make a comprehensive assessment.
The most common diagnostic tool for osteoporosis is a bone density test, also known as a DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). This test measures the density of bones in the spine, hip, or wrist and compares it to the average bone density of a healthy young adult. A T-score of -2.5 or lower confirms osteoporosis, while a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates low bone mass (osteopenia).
Next week, we will talk more about this important subject, including how osteoporosis is treated and how you can lower your risk of developing it.
If you have any questions about osteoporosis, please log into your account and send us your question. We are here to help.
Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor