Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps. Osteoporosis means "porous bones."
What causes osteoporosis?
- Estrogen deficiency is the most common cause of osteoporosis in women. Estrogen is a hormone in women that protects bones. After menopause, a woman's body makes much less estrogen.
- As people age, their bodies absorb less calcium and other minerals from food. Calcium is necessary to keep bones strong and dense.
- Lack of exercise also causes bones to lose strength. Weight-bearing exercises, like walking, jogging, dancing, and climbing stairs, force you to work against gravity. This builds bones and slows bone loss.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is called a "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People often don't know they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a fracture.
Common fracture sites include the hip, wrist, and spine. Breaks in the spine can cause stooped posture, severe back pain, loss of height, and deformity.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose osteoporosis using:
- A medical history, to check for risk factors like family history of osteoporosis, low estrogen levels, and certain medications
- A physical exam
- Bone density test, which uses X-rays to measure bone density and identify osteoporosis
- Blood and urine tests, to look for signs of bone loss
How is osteoporosis treated?
The goals of osteoporosis treatment are to prevent bone fractures and loss of height and to control pain. Treatment options include:
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements - Helps build strong bones
- Bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax) - Slow/prevent bone breakdown
- Hormone-related therapy - Increases bone mass in postmenopausal women
- Parathyroid hormone injections like teriparatide (Forteo) - Stimulate new bone growth
Making lifestyle changes can also help treat osteoporosis:
- Do weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
- Prevent falls by making your home safer
If you're concerned about osteoporosis, schedule a bone density test. The sooner treatment begins, the more effective it is. Consider hormone replacement therapy or supplements from
Vitality Hormone Clinic to build bone mass. Our experienced doctors provide customized treatment plans to strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk. Contact us today to learn more!