Osteoporosis is when bones become weak and brittle. If left unchecked, it can lead to bone breaks (fracture). Any bone can be affected. Fractures of special concern are of the
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Throughout life, old bone is removed and new bone is added to your skeleton. During childhood and adolescence, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed. As a result, bones become heavier, larger, and denser. Peak bone mass is reached around age 30. From that point, more bone is lost than replaced. If not treated, bone loss may lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more likely to occur if full bone mass was not achieved during your bone-building years.
Bone density also plays a role in bone health. Bone density is determined by the amount of
minerals within the bone framework. These include calcium,
phosphorus, and others. As the mineral content of a bone (especially calcium) decreases, the bone weakens. Getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and regular exercise can keep bones strong throughout life.
There are many risk factors that may increase your chance of developing osteoporosis. Some of the risk factors include:
- Increasing age
- Low weight
- Alcohol abuse
- History of falls
Certain conditions, such as:
- Use of certain medicines (such as antidepressants, warfarin [coumadin], long-term heparin, corticosteroids, thyroid medicine, anticonvulsants, antacids)
- Low hormone levels (low estrogen levels in women, low testosterone levels in men)
- Inactive lifestyle
Certain restrictive diets (for example, not getting enough
- Too little sunlight (the effect of sun on the skin is a primary source of vitamin D)
More women than men develop osteoporosis. Some specific risk factors that affect women include:
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Postmenopausal status
(no menstrual periods)
- Gastrointestinal malabsorption
- Having another endocrine disorder (such as thyroid disorder or diabetes)
- Pain when bones break or collapse
- Severe back pain with fracture of the vertebrae, wrists, hips, or other bones
- Loss of height with stooped posture (kyphosis)
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Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will do a physical exam. Early signs of osteoporosis can be seen with bone density testing:
- Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry—measures bone density in the entire body
- For older men, the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends that your doctor check for risk factors for osteoporosis. The ACP also recommends that you have this test if you are at an increased risk and are a candidate for drug therapy. Ask your doctor about what is right for you.
- Single-energy x-ray absorptiometry—measures bone density in the arm or heel
- Ultrasound bone density measurement—measures bone density in fingers, heels, and leg bones
Other tests may include:
- Blood and urine tests—to test for calcium levels or substances created when bone is broken down
Decrease your intake of caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is in:
- Dairy products
- Green leafy vegetables
- Canned fish with bones
- Calcium-fortified products
Do not smoke.
If you smoke,
Exercise improves bone health. It also increases muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Do weight-bearing and strength-training exercises for maximum benefit. Balance training may prevent falls and fractures.
People who cannot eat enough calcium from food might want to take calcium supplements. Calcium citrate has the best absorption and is well-tolerated. Other vitamins and minerals may be recommended, including vitamin D,
vitamin K. A study showed that Japanese postmenopausal women who took vitamin K supplements had a reduced rate of fractures. Talk to your doctor before taking herbs or supplements.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to prevent bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce your risk of spine and hip fractures:
(such as Evista)
[such as Fosamax],
[such as Actonel],
[such as Boniva],
[such as Reclast])
- Recombinant parathyroid hormone
(such as Teriparatide)
- Denosumab (Prolia)
(including estrogen replacement therapy [ERT]) can cut your risk of osteoporosis in half. However, research shows a strong association between longer-term HRT and/or ERT
a significantly increased risk of invasive
heart attacks, and blood clots. Be sure to discuss all of the health risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your doctor to find out if it is right for you.
HRT therapy may include:
- Estrogen alone (ERT)
Estrogen and progestin—frequently preferred for women with an intact uterus because ERT slightly increases the risk of
- Reduce bone loss
- Increase bone density
- Reduce the risk of hip and spinal fractures in postmenopausal women
Falls can increase the chance of fracture in someone with osteoporosis. Here are ways to prevent falls:
- Wear rubber-soled shoes for traction.
- Use plastic or carpet runners when possible.
- Keep rooms free of clutter.
- Install grab bars in bathrooms.
Building strong bones throughout your early years is the best defense against osteoporosis. There are four steps to prevent osteoporosis:
- Balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Weight-bearing exercise
- Healthy lifestyle (no smoking, drink alcohol only in moderation)
Bone density testing and medicines where appropriate:
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Last reviewed September 2011 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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