What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is common with aging, especially in women after menopause.

General Health

Osteoporosis

2025-09-22

Intro

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.
Often called a “silent disease,” it usually shows no symptoms until a fracture occurs.
It affects millions worldwide and is a major cause of disability in older adults.

Key Points

Osteoporosis = reduced bone density and fragile structure.
Most common in women after menopause, but also affects men.
Often detected only after a fracture.
Diagnosed with bone density scans (DEXA).
Treatments reduce bone loss and fracture risk; lifestyle measures help prevent progression.

Signs and Symptoms

Usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Common fracture sites: hip, spine, wrist.
Spine fractures may cause height loss, stooped posture, or back pain.
Hip fractures often lead to loss of mobility and independence.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hormonal changes: estrogen loss after menopause, low testosterone in men.
Aging: bone remodeling slows with age.
Family history: higher risk if a parent had fractures.
Lifestyle: smoking, alcohol, inactivity, poor diet.
Medical conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, thyroid disease.
Medications: long-term steroids (glucocorticoids).

Diagnosis

Bone density scan (DEXA): the gold standard test.
- T-score –1.0 to –2.5 = osteopenia (low bone mass).
- T-score ≤ –2.5 = osteoporosis.
Fracture history: low-impact fractures raise suspicion.
Blood tests: may be done to rule out other causes.

Treatment

Lifestyle and prevention:

Weight-bearing exercise: walking, stair climbing, dancing.
Resistance training: improves bone strength and muscle support.
Balance and flexibility training: tai chi, yoga — reduce fall risk.
Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
Home safety measures to prevent falls.

Medications:

Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid): most common first-line therapy.
Denosumab: injection given every 6 months.
Hormone-related therapies: estrogen therapy or SERMs for some women.
Anabolic drugs: teriparatide and romosozumab may be used in severe cases to build bone.

Risks and Prognosis

Fracture risk rises sharply with untreated osteoporosis.
Hip and spine fractures carry the greatest risk of disability and death.
With treatment, bone loss can be slowed, fracture risk reduced, and quality of life maintained.

FAQ

Q: Who should get screened?
A: Women over 65, men over 70, and younger people with risk factors or prior fractures.

Q: Can osteoporosis be reversed?
A: Bone density can be improved with some treatments, but full reversal is uncommon. The main goal is reducing fracture risk.

Q: Is it only a women’s disease?
A: No — men are also affected, particularly with age or certain medical conditions.

Q: What’s the difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia?
A: Osteopenia is “low bone mass” (mild bone loss). Osteoporosis is more severe and carries a higher fracture risk.