About 2 million fractures in the US each year are due to osteoporosis¹. This shows how important it is to know about this bone disease and prevent it. Osteoporosis makes bones lose density and strength over time. This can lead to serious fractures, especially in older people.

More than 80% of the 10 million Americans with osteoporosis are women¹. This fact shows how crucial it is to focus on women’s health and tackle the unique risks they face. Knowing the causes, signs, and ways to prevent it helps people protect their bones. This can lower the risk of the severe effects of osteoporosis.

Key Takeaways

• Osteoporosis is a bone disease that leads to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of fractures.
• Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, especially after menopause due to decreased estrogen production.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including weight-bearing exercise and a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, can help prevent osteoporosis.
• Regular bone density tests are crucial for monitoring bone health and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.
• Medications like bisphosphonates and hormone therapy can be prescribed to slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk in individuals with osteoporosis.

Understanding osteoporosis and its causes helps people protect their bones and lower the risk of serious fractures. This guide will cover everything from nutrition and exercise to medical treatments for osteoporosis.

What is Osteoporosis?

Overview of this Bone Disease

Osteoporosis is a silent bone disease that affects millions globally². It happens when bones lose density and mass, making them weak and more likely to break². Without treatment, bones can lose mass quickly, increasing the risk of serious and dangerous fractures².

Osteoporosis is the main reason for bone fractures in older women and men². It’s called a silent disease because people may not know they have it until they break a bone². Early detection and prevention are key to keeping bones strong and avoiding osteoporosis problems.

Knowing about osteoporosis, its effects on bones, and the risk of fractures is vital². By spreading awareness and encouraging action, we can help people protect their bones and avoid the serious effects of this disease.

“Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 54 million Americans.”³

Statistic	Value
Percentage of Americans aged 50 and over with osteoporosis or osteopenia	Over 50%2
Bone loss each year for those over 50	1-3%2
Expected fractures due to osteoporosis in 2025	3 million3
Costs of osteoporosis fractures in 2025	$25.3 billion3
Chance of seniors dying within a year after a hip fracture from osteoporosis	20%3

²⁴³

Who is at Risk for Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis makes bones weak and can happen to anyone, no matter their age, gender, or race⁵. But some people are more likely to get it⁵. Women face a big risk, with 80% of Americans with it being women⁵. In fact, half of all women over 50 will likely get osteoporosis⁵. Men aren’t safe either, with 20-25% of hip fractures happening to them⁵.

Getting older makes us more likely to get osteoporosis. Our bones lose strength and density as we age⁶. This gets worse after 65 or 70, when men and women lose bone mass at the same rate⁶.

Being of certain races or ethnicities also raises the risk⁶. Non-Hispanic whites and Asians are more likely to get it⁶. If you have a small frame or a family history of osteoporosis, you’re at higher risk too⁶.

Changes in hormones can also lead to osteoporosis. Women who go through early menopause or have a hysterectomy are at higher risk⁷. So are people taking certain medicines that lower bone density⁷.

Not being active, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking can make osteoporosis risk worse⁷. But, staying healthy and doing exercises that make you use your bones can help⁶.

Knowing the risks can help you take steps to protect your bones⁶. You can get checked for bone health, get the right treatment, and change your lifestyle to lower your risk⁶.

Risk Factor	Impact
Age	Bone loss accelerates after age 65-70
Gender	Women are more prone to osteoporosis, especially after menopause
Race/Ethnicity	Non-Hispanic whites and Asians have higher risk
Family History	Genetic factors can increase vulnerability
Hormonal Changes	Early menopause and hysterectomy raise risk
Medication Use	Certain drugs can deplete bone density
Lifestyle Factors	Sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, smoking, and low body weight increase risk

“Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 54 million Americans 50 years of age and older.”⁶

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” disease because it doesn’t show symptoms until a bone breaks or fractures⁸. As it gets worse, people might notice signs like severe back pain, losing height, or a bent back (kyphosis)⁸.

When osteoporosis weakens bones, they can break easily from small falls or everyday activities⁸. Fractures in the spine, hips, and wrists are the most serious signs of osteoporosis⁹.

• Severe back pain due to vertebral (spine) fractures⁸
• Loss of height over time⁸
• Spine malformations such as a stooped or hunched posture (kyphosis)⁸
• Increased risk of bone fractures, even from minor falls or normal daily activities⁸

Osteoporosis can greatly lower a person’s quality of life. It can make moving harder, reduce independence, and increase the chance of going to the hospital or even dying⁹. Finding it early and managing it well is key to reducing its effects.

“Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones to the point where they break easily—even from a minor fall, a bump, a sneeze, or a sudden movement. Osteoporosis is called a ‘silent’ disease because you may not notice any symptoms until you actually experience a fracture.”⁸

Symptom	Description
Back Pain	Severe pain in the back due to spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis8
Height Loss	Gradual decrease in height over time as the spine weakens and compresses8
Stooped Posture	Hunched or rounded shoulders caused by vertebral fractures8
Bone Fractures	Increased risk of fractures, even from minor falls or normal daily activities8

Knowing the signs of osteoporosis is key to catching it early and managing it well. By spotting these signs and getting medical help, people can stop more bone loss and lessen the chance of serious fractures⁸⁹.

Causes and Risk Factors

Osteoporosis is a bone disease where bones lose mass and change structure. Many factors can make someone more likely to get it¹⁰.

Factors Increasing Osteoporosis Risk

Being a woman, getting older, and being small in build are big risks. Whites and Asians face a higher risk than Blacks¹⁰. If your family has osteoporosis, you’re more likely to get it too¹¹.

Changes in hormones, like low estrogen in women or low testosterone in men, hurt bone health. A diet lacking calcium and vitamin D, certain health issues, and some medicines also raise the risk¹¹.

Risk Factor	Prevalence
Non-Hispanic Asian adults	18.4%10
Hispanic adults	14.7%10
Non-Hispanic White adults	12.9%10
Non-Hispanic Black adults	6.8%10
Females aged 50 years and older at risk of breaking a bone	1 in 210
Males aged 50 years and older at risk of breaking a bone	1 in 410
Bone mass loss in the first 10 years after menopause	Up to 25%10
People with a diet high in processed foods have lower bone mineral density	Increased risk10

By age 35, bones start losing mass. The risk of osteoporosis goes up with age¹¹. Some health issues, like hormone problems or rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to osteoporosis¹¹.

“Once people reach 50 years of age, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience fractures due to osteoporosis.”

¹²

Other things that raise osteoporosis risk include a family history, being underweight, using high-dose steroids, eating disorders, drinking too much, smoking, and not staying active¹¹¹⁰¹².

Osteoporosis in Children and Teens

Osteoporosis is often linked with older adults, but it can also affect kids and teens. This rare form is called juvenile osteoporosis¹³. It’s not common in young people, and we don’t know exactly how many have it¹³. This condition can cause loss of height, slow growth, and a high chance of breaking bones¹³.

Juvenile Osteoporosis

Juvenile osteoporosis usually starts in kids aged 8 to 14, sometimes even younger during growth spurts¹⁴. By the time they’re 18 to 20, most of their bone mass is built¹⁴. Certain diseases like celiac disease and cystic fibrosis can raise the risk of getting this condition¹³.

Some medicines can also make bones weaker and increase the risk of osteoporosis in young people¹³. These include drugs for seizures, steroids, and some immune system treatments¹³.

About 90% of bone mass is built by the time an individual is 18 to 20 years old¹⁴. Secondary osteoporosis is the most common type in kids, while juvenile idiopathic osteoporosis is less common but more common in boys¹⁴. Signs include pain in the lower back and hips, trouble walking, and fractures in the legs and ankles¹⁴.

Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis often starts before puberty in healthy kids¹³. Doctors use bone density scans to check for low bone mass in kids with this condition¹⁴. None of the osteoporosis drugs for adults are approved for kids¹⁴.

Treatment for juvenile osteoporosis focuses on finding and treating the underlying causes¹³. It also includes managing medicines, eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, staying active, and in severe cases, using special osteoporosis drugs¹³. Doctors recommend a diet full of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, along with safe exercises, and avoiding too much caffeine¹⁴.

Osteoporosis in kids and teens is less common but can be caused by various factors like medical conditions or genetic disorders¹⁵. Different types of osteoporosis in children can be linked to conditions like juvenile arthritis and diabetes¹⁵. Some medicines, like those for seizures and steroids, can also lead to osteoporosis in young people¹⁵.

Lifestyle choices like not getting enough calcium and vitamin D, being too inactive, or exercising too much can also increase the risk of osteoporosis in kids¹⁵.

Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis is a rare type of osteoporosis in children, showing symptoms like pain and physical changes¹⁵. Doctors may not diagnose it until a child breaks a bone, requiring tests like X-rays and bone density scans¹⁵. Treatment depends on the child’s health and the severity of the condition, including managing underlying conditions, exercises, supplements, and medications as advised by a doctor¹⁵. For idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis, treatment might not always be needed as it might get better on its own; but it’s crucial to protect bones during growth years with proper care and medication¹⁵.

Osteoporosis in Men

Osteoporosis is often seen as a women’s disease, but men can get it too. In fact, men over 65 can face osteoporosis and fragile bones, raising their risk of breaking bones¹⁶. The number of such fractures has been going up¹⁶.

Men with osteoporosis often don’t get checked for it after a fracture, and they might not get treated¹⁶. This is worrying because men who break a major bone from osteoporosis face more complications and could die, unlike women¹⁶.

Things that make men more likely to get osteoporosis include chronic diseases, certain medicines, Parkinson’s disease, low sex hormones, unhealthy habits, and being over 70¹⁶. About 1 to 2 million men in the U.S. have osteoporosis, and another 8 to 13 million have low bone mass¹⁷. Also, about 13 percent of white U.S. men over 50 will have a fracture from osteoporosis at some point¹⁷.

While women are more likely to get osteoporosis, men can also lose a lot of bone and become fragile¹⁶. Up to 40 percent of men’s osteoporosis cases are primary or idiopathic, meaning the cause is still unknown¹⁷. The MORES score is 93 percent accurate in spotting men over 60 at risk of osteoporosis¹⁷.

To fight osteoporosis in men, focus on good eating, lifestyle changes, exercise, preventing falls, and maybe taking medicine¹⁶. Doing exercises that make you stand up can help keep bones strong, and eating foods with calcium and vitamin D is also good¹⁶. Other ways to prevent it include drinking less alcohol and quitting smoking¹⁸.

Osteoporosis is a big health issue for men, and we need to spread the word and push for early checks and treatment. By taking steps to keep bones healthy, men can lower their risk of getting this serious condition and its bad effects¹⁶¹⁷¹⁸.

“Osteoporosis is not just a women’s disease. Men are also at risk, especially after age 70.”

Bone Health During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Keeping bones strong is key during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The body needs more calcium and vitamin D to help the baby grow and develop¹⁹. Pregnant and nursing teens need 1,300 mg of calcium daily, while women over 18 should get 1,000 mg¹⁹. But, taking too much calcium doesn’t help prevent bone loss during these times¹⁹.

Osteoporosis is rare in pregnant or nursing women but can lead to weak bones and more fractures, especially in the spine¹⁹. Big studies show that²⁰ pregnancy and breastfeeding don’t increase the risk of osteoporosis or fractures later. Bone density usually goes back to normal after pregnancy and breastfeeding²⁰.

Pregnancy raises estrogen levels, which helps build bones.²⁰ Bone loss often happens after pregnancy as estrogen drops, but bone mass usually comes back when menstruation starts²⁰. Recent studies show breastfeeding can help increase bone density over time²⁰.

Women with a family history of osteoporosis or digestive issues might have lower bone density and struggle to regain it after pregnancy²⁰. In rare cases²⁰, PLO can increase the risk of bone fractures²⁰. It can take up to a year for bone density to fully recover after childbirth and weaning²⁰.

New moms should eat foods high in calcium like dark leafy greens instead of taking supplements for better absorption²⁰. Hormone therapy during menopause can lower the risk of osteoporosis later on²⁰. Women planning a pregnancy should talk to an endocrinologist and a nutritionist to protect their bones²⁰.

“Long term bisphosphonate use in osteoporotic patients: a step forward, two steps back.”²¹

In summary, getting enough calcium and vitamin D is key for bone health during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even though there may be temporary bone loss, it usually gets better after pregnancy and weaning. By knowing the bone health needs during these times, women can support their bones for the long run.

Preventing Fractures After a Broken Bone

If you’ve recently broken a bone, your main worry is getting better. But, this could mean you might have osteoporosis²². People over 65 who break a hip or vertebra are likely at risk of osteoporosis²². Osteoporosis is a big reason for fractures in older people, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist²². The chance of breaking another bone is highest in the first two years after the first fracture²².

To stop more fractures, getting a bone density test is key. This test checks if you have osteoporosis or are at risk²³. Some groups like white women, Asian women, and African Americans are more likely to have osteoporotic fractures²³. Medicines can help prevent more fractures in older adults with osteoporosis²². Also, making your home safer and avoiding falls can greatly lower your risk of another broken bone²⁴.

• Make sure your home is well-lit, with overhead lights, nightlights, and bright stairways inside and outside²⁴.
• Clear your home of clutter, install handrails on stairs, put in railings in the bathroom, and use rubber mats in the shower for safety²⁴.
• Check with your doctor about your medicines, as some can make you more likely to fall because of side effects²⁴.
• Manage health issues like arthritis or vision problems that could affect your balance and increase your fall risk²⁴.

Fractures don’t have to be a normal part of aging²⁴. By looking after your bones and preventing falls, you can cut down your chances of another broken bone²²²³²⁴.

Fracture Prevention Strategies	Benefits
Bone Density Testing	Helps find osteoporosis and guide treatment
Osteoporosis Medications	Can prevent more fractures in those at high risk
Home Safety Improvements	Lessens the chance of falls and fractures
Regular Exercise	Boosts coordination, balance, and bone strength
Calcium and Vitamin D Intake	Supports healthy bone upkeep and growth

By acting early to prevent fractures, you can safeguard your bones and lower your risk of another break²²²³²⁴.

“Preventing fractures after a broken bone is key to keeping your independence and quality of life. Regular bone density tests, making your home safe, and staying active can all lower your risk of future breaks.” – WebMD

With the right steps and care, you can protect your bone health and stop more fractures after a broken bone²²²³²⁴.

Staying Active for Bone Health

The Importance of Weight-Bearing Exercise

Being active is key to keeping bones strong and preventing osteoporosis. Activities like walking, jogging, dancing, and strength training help bones grow and slow down bone loss²⁵. Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of hard exercise each week for strong bones²⁵. It’s also good to do muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week²⁵.

Older adults should mix balance training, aerobic, and muscle-strengthening exercises every week²⁵. Pregnant women and new moms should aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, spread out over the week²⁵. Kids and teens need at least 1 hour of exercise daily, with most being moderate or hard. They should also do muscle and bone-strengthening exercises 3 days a week for strong bones²⁵.

Tai Chi is great for balance and lowering the chance of falling, which is key for those with osteoporosis²⁶. Activities that make you stand or walk work on bones in your legs, hips, and lower back to slow down bone loss and boost blood flow²⁷. Flexibility and balance exercises are also important for keeping muscles working well, staying mobile, and avoiding falls²⁷.

It’s vital to make exercise plans that fit your ability and comfort level. Always check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe and works well, especially if you have osteoporosis²⁷. Avoid high-impact exercises or moves that put too much stress on your spine to prevent breaks²⁷.

“Regular weight-bearing exercise is essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. It’s a key component of a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages.”

Nutrition for Bone Health

Keeping bones strong is key, and eating right is a big part of it. Calcium and vitamin D are two nutrients that are super important for bones. Adults need about 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day, but many don’t get enough²⁸. Foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, and some cereals can give you the calcium you need²⁹.

Vitamin D helps your body use calcium. Adults need 600 IU of vitamin D a day, but some experts say you might need more, starting at age 5²⁸. You can get vitamin D from the sun, fatty fish, and some foods, but supplements might be needed if you’re not getting enough.

³⁰. You should also get about 25% to 35% of your daily calories from protein. Plus, eating foods with monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids is good too³⁰.

While a good diet is the best start, some people might need supplements to get all the nutrients they need. Always talk to a healthcare professional to find out what supplements and how much you should take³⁰²⁹²⁸.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Osteoporosis Risk

Osteoporosis is a serious bone disease that can have devastating consequences. But, the good news is that certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk. Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in bone health. By making adjustments to our daily habits, we can take proactive steps to maintain strong and resilient bones.

One of the most significant risk factors for osteoporosis is smoking. Smoking has been shown to accelerate bone loss and increase the risk of fractures. Quitting smoking is an important step in reducing the risk of osteoporosis and its associated complications³¹.

Another factor that can contribute to bone loss is excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and utilize essential nutrients for bone health, such as calcium and vitamin D. Limiting alcohol intake is recommended to maintain strong bones³¹.

Physical inactivity is also a significant risk factor for osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, or strength training, are essential for maintaining and improving bone density. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures³¹.

Lifestyle Factor	Impact on Osteoporosis Risk	Recommended Action
Smoking	Accelerates bone loss and increases fracture risk	Quit smoking
Excessive Alcohol Consumption	Interferes with nutrient absorption for bone health	Limit alcohol intake
Physical Inactivity	Decreases bone density and increases fracture risk	Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises

By making these lifestyle changes, individuals can take an active role in reducing their risk of osteoporosis and maintaining strong, healthy bones. Adopting a bone-friendly lifestyle is a crucial step in preventing this debilitating condition and enjoying a better quality of life³¹³²³³.,,

“Osteoporosis is a silent disease, but it doesn’t have to be. By making lifestyle changes and taking proactive steps, individuals can reduce their risk and maintain strong, healthy bones well into their golden years.”

The Importance of Weight-Bearing Exercise

Regular weight-bearing exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain and improve bone density. Activities like walking, jogging, dancing, and strength training put stress on the bones, which in turn stimulates the body to build and strengthen them³¹³³.,

For individuals with osteoporosis, high-impact exercises like running or jumping may not be recommended due to the increased risk of fractures. Instead, experts suggest a mix of weight-bearing activities, such as brisk walking, yoga, Pilates, or tai chi, which can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls³¹.

By incorporating regular weight-bearing exercise into their routine, individuals can take a proactive step in maintaining and improving their bone health, reducing their risk of osteoporosis and associated fractures³¹³³.,

Medications for Osteoporosis Treatment

For those at high risk of breaking bones, doctors may suggest extra help besides changing your lifestyle and taking calcium and vitamin D³⁴. Common treatments include bisphosphonates, RANK ligand inhibitors, and estrogen therapy³⁴. These can stop more bone loss and even make bones stronger³⁴. These drugs can greatly lower the chance of breaking bones in people with osteoporosis.

Prescription Drugs to Prevent Bone Loss

Bisphosphonates are often the first choice for treating osteoporosis³⁴. This includes Alendronate (Fosamax), Risedronate (Actonel), Ibandronate (Boniva), and Zoledronic acid (Reclast)³⁴. Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva) is another option, given every six months through injections³⁴. Pills for bisphosphonates can cause stomach issues and heartburn. But, taking them through an IV, like with ibandronate and zoledronic acid, avoids these problems³⁴.

Even though these drugs help, they can have risks. A rare issue with bisphosphonates and denosumab is breaking a bone in the thigh. Another risk is osteonecrosis of the jaw³⁴. Estrogen therapy used to treat osteoporosis is now mainly for high-risk women because of its risks, like blood clots and cancer³⁴.

Drugs like Teriparatide (Forteo), Abaloparatide (Tymlos), and Romosozumab (Evenity) are for those with very low bone density or who have already had a fracture³⁴. Remember, treating osteoporosis is not just about drugs. It’s also about exercising, eating right, quitting smoking, and drinking less alcohol³⁴.

Medication Type	Examples	Description
Bisphosphonates	Alendronate (Fosamax), Risedronate (Actonel), Ibandronate (Boniva), Zoledronic acid (Reclast)	Usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment, help prevent further bone loss and increase bone density. Intravenous forms may be preferred to avoid stomach upset and heartburn.
RANK Ligand Inhibitors	Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva)	An alternative to bisphosphonates, administered through shallow injections every six months. Can produce similar or better bone density results compared to bisphosphonates.
Estrogen Therapy	–	Once used for osteoporosis, now reserved for high-risk women due to associated risks like blood clots and cancer.
Bone-building Drugs	Teriparatide (Forteo), Abaloparatide (Tymlos), Romosozumab (Evenity)	Reserved for individuals with very low bone density or fractures, these medications can help build bone.

“Medications are not the sole treatment for osteoporosis; exercise, nutrition, smoking cessation, and alcohol moderation are crucial lifestyle factors.”

While osteoporosis drugs help prevent bone loss and lower the risk of breaking bones, it’s key to know their benefits and risks³⁵. Talking to a healthcare provider is important to find the best treatment for you³⁵.

Fall Prevention for Those with Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis makes falling and breaking bones much more likely³⁶. Every year, one-third of people over 65 fall, and this risk goes up with age³⁶. If a woman breaks a bone, especially in her spine, she’s more likely to break another one³⁶. Sadly, a hip fracture can be deadly, with the death rate going from 12% to 20%³⁶. Only about one-third of those who get surgery for a broken hip get back to their old self³⁶.

But, there’s hope. We can prevent falls and lower the chance of breaking bones with osteoporosis³⁶. Studies show that exercise and making homes safer can help prevent falls³⁶. This could also mean fewer fractures³⁶.

Making the Home Safer

One key way to prevent falls is to make your home safer³⁷. Make sure there’s good lighting, clear the floor of things that could trip you, and use canes or walkers if needed³⁷. Outside, wear shoes with good grip, use handrails, and watch out for slippery spots like shiny floors³⁷. Keep your outdoor areas clear of things that could trip you up³⁷.

Inside, keep things you use often within reach to avoid bending³⁷. Remove wires, cords, and throw rugs to stop tripping³⁷. Installing grab bars in bathrooms can also help³⁷.

Improving Balance and Strength

Doing exercises like Tai Chi can also help prevent falls³⁶. Wearing hip protectors can help too, but some people don’t like wearing them³⁶. Eating right, with enough calcium and vitamin D, can also help prevent falls³⁷.

By making your home safer and working on your balance and strength, you can greatly lower your risk of falling and breaking bones³⁶³⁷.

Strategies for Fall Prevention	Benefits
Home Modifications (good lighting, removing tripping hazards, using assistive devices)	Reduces the risk of falls and fractures
Balance-Improving Exercises (Tai Chi)	Improves balance and stability, lowering fall risk
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation	Supports bone health and reduces fall risk
Wearing Hip Protectors	Decreases the risk of hip fractures during a fall

“Trials have shown that reducing the risk of falls is possible, and preventing falls through exercise and home safety interventions can lower the risk of falls.”³⁶

By using these strategies, people with osteoporosis can protect their health and avoid the bad effects of falls and fractures.

Osteoporosis Screening and Diagnosis

Keeping bones healthy is vital, and catching osteoporosis early is key. A bone density test, often a DEXA scan³⁸, is the best way to spot osteoporosis and check fracture risk. This test looks at the bone’s mineral content and density in places like the spine, hip, and forearm.

Doctors might suggest a bone density test for people over 65 or those with osteoporosis risk factors³⁸. Spotting osteoporosis early helps start the right treatments to keep bones strong.

Women over 65 should get checked for osteoporosis, says the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force³⁸. Women with risk factors should also get tested³⁸. But, there’s not enough proof to say if men should get tested yet³⁸³⁹⁴⁰.

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the top method for checking bone density and finding osteoporosis³⁸³⁹⁴⁰. It’s a trusted way to predict fractures in both men and women³⁹. There are also tools like OST, ORAI, OSIRIS, SCORE, and FRAX to see osteoporosis risk³⁹⁴⁰.

Spotting osteoporosis early means we can act fast and start the right treatments³⁸³⁹⁴⁰. By getting regular bone density tests, people can manage their bone health and lower the chance of serious fractures.

Calcium Intake Recommendations	Vitamin D Intake Recommendations
700mg/day for 1-3 years old	400 IU/day for infants
1,200mg/day for >70 years old	800 IU/day for individuals older than 70 years

Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is key to fighting osteoporosis and keeping bones strong³⁸. The amount of calcium you need changes with age, and vitamin D needs range from 400 IU/day for babies to 800 IU/day for those over 70³⁸.

Right nutrition is just part of it. Activities like strength training help build and keep bones healthy³⁸. Doctors might also prescribe medicines like bisphosphonates, parathyroid hormone, raloxifene, and estrogen for osteoporosis³⁹⁴⁰.

“Early diagnosis of osteoporosis is crucial for implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies to maintain strong, healthy bones.”

Knowing how important it is to screen for osteoporosis helps people take steps to protect their bones and avoid serious fractures³⁸³⁹⁴⁰.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is a silent bone disease that can lead to serious fractures⁴¹. Every year, 1.5 million people in the U.S. break a bone because of it⁴¹. It affects more women than men⁴¹. Four out of ten white women over 50 will break a hip, spine, or wrist. White women lose a lot of bone mass from age 20 to 80, more than men do over the same period.

But, there are steps we can take to fight osteoporosis⁴¹. A healthy lifestyle with exercise, eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, and not smoking or drinking too much alcohol can help. For those at high risk, doctors may prescribe medicine to keep bones strong and prevent breaks⁴². The U.S. will see a big increase in osteoporosis-related fractures and costs from 2005 to 2025, showing why it’s crucial to protect our bones.

By learning about osteoporosis and how to prevent it, we can protect our bones and lower the chance of breaking them⁴¹. The Surgeon General’s 2012 report stressed the importance of staying healthy, not smoking, drinking less, and talking to doctors about bone health⁴². In 2016, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening for osteoporosis, showing we need to act to stop this serious condition.

FAQ

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease. It happens when bones lose mineral density and mass, or their structure changes. This makes bones weak and more likely to break.

Who is at risk for developing osteoporosis?

Many people, including women and men, can get osteoporosis. The risk goes up with age, especially in women before menopause. Other factors include being small-framed, having a family history, and taking certain medicines.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis often has no symptoms until a bone breaks. Back pain, losing height, or a curved back can be signs of a spine fracture.

What causes osteoporosis and increases the risk?

Too much bone loss and changes in bone tissue cause osteoporosis. Risk factors include being female, older, small-framed, or having a family history. Hormonal changes, diet lacking in calcium and vitamin D, and some medicines also increase risk.

Can osteoporosis affect children and teens?

Yes, a rare form of osteoporosis, called juvenile osteoporosis, can happen in kids and teens. It’s not well understood but most kids recover without treatment.

Can men develop osteoporosis?

Absolutely, men can get osteoporosis too, especially after 70. While women face a higher risk, men can also experience bone loss and fractures.

How does pregnancy and breastfeeding affect bone health?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding increase the need for calcium to support the baby’s growth. This can temporarily lower a woman’s bone density. But, bone levels usually go back up after breastfeeding stops.

What should I do after breaking a bone?

Focus on recovering from a broken bone first. But, it could mean you have osteoporosis. Getting a bone density test is key to find out and prevent more fractures.

How can I maintain strong bones?

Keep your bones strong with regular exercises, enough calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding smoking and too much alcohol.

When are medications used to treat osteoporosis?

Doctors may prescribe medicines for those at high risk of fractures. These include bisphosphonates, RANK ligand inhibitors, and estrogen therapy. They help stop bone loss and can even make bones denser.

How can I prevent falls with osteoporosis?

Falls are a big risk for breaking bones with osteoporosis. To prevent them, make your home safe, use aids, and do exercises like Tai Chi to improve balance.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

A bone density test, like a DEXA scan, is the best way to diagnose osteoporosis. It measures bone mineral content and density in bones like the spine, hip, and forearm.

Source Links

1. The Basics of Osteoporosis – https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/understanding-osteoporosis-basics
2. Osteoporosis – Symptoms and causes – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968
3. What is osteoporosis and what causes it? – https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/
4. Osteoporosis – https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis
5. Osteoporosis Risk Factors | UC San Diego Health – https://health.ucsd.edu/care/endocrinology-diabetes/osteoporosis/risk-factors/
6. Osteoporosis – https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/osteoporosis/osteoporosis
7. Risk Factors | International Osteoporosis Foundation – https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis/risk-factors
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