Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease where parts of the bone become weak and prone to fracture. This condition is more common in seniors, but can affect men and women of all ages. Because women have 30% less bone mass than men, women are particularly prone to osteoporosis as they age.

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Causes

The biggest risk factor for osteoporosis is age. As people grow older, the body goes through the process of breaking down old bone and growing new bone in its place.

drop in estrogen after menopause

family history and body type

lifestyle factors and health conditions

lack of exercise

lack of calcium

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What Are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

A person is often not aware that he or she has osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. But there are occasionally symptoms of the disorder. They could include:

Backache

A gradual loss of height and an accompanying stooped posture

Fractures of the spine, wrist, or hip

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Types of Osteoporosis

Juvenile Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis rarely affects children. But when it does, it’s usually due to a medical condition or medication. It’s a significant problem because it occurs during the child’s prime bone-building years. Those rare cases are called juvenile osteoporosis.

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Diagnosis

What Is Bone Mineral Density?

Almost 80% of bone density is determined by heredity, and 20% by lifestyle. Bone mineral density tests (BMD) shows how dense bones are and whether you have osteoporosis.

Peak Bone Mass

Around age 30, your bones reach their maximum strength and density, known as peak bone mass.

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Tests

DEXA Scan (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry)

The most common osteoporosis test is dual X-ray absorptiometry --also called DXA or DEXA. It measures people’s spine, hip, or total body bone density to help gauge fracture risk.

Beyond DEXA: Other Bone Mineral Density Tests

Various methods can check bone density, including ultrasound and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Bone density scores and cost may vary by testing method.

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Tests

Who Should Get Bone Density Testing?

Bone density normally drops with age.

Blood Test Markers

Whether you're being screened or treated for osteoporosis, your doctor may order a blood or urine test to see the metabolism of bone. This provides clues to the progression of your disease.

Bone Densitometry

Bone densitometry is a test like an X-ray that quickly and accurately measures the density of bone.

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Treatment

Osteoporosis Medications

Osteoporosis treatments come in several forms. Many should be started during childhood; others include prescription drugs to treat osteoporosis.

Osteopenia Lifestyle Treatments

Osteopenia is a term used to describe bone density that is somewhat lower than normal but not low enough to be diagnosed as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Exercise

Weight-bearing exercise is often an option for osteoporosis patients, and it might even help your bones, as this article explains. Check with your doctor before starting a new fitness program.

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Treatment

Strontium Treatment for Osteoporosis

If you are concerned about the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis, one treatment you may have heard of and considered is strontium.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)

Raloxifene (Evista) belongs to a class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). It is FDA-approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Forteo for Osteoporosis

Teriparatide (Forteo) is self-injected into the skin. Because long-term safety is not yet established, it is only FDA-approved for 24 months of use.

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