What is osteoporosis?  

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which bones become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures.

Who is at risk for osteoporosis?

Risk Factors include

• Gender: Women are at a higher risk, especially after menopause, due to lower estrogen levels.
• Age: The older a person gets, the higher the risk of osteoporosis.
• Family history: Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis, especially if they experienced a fracture, increases the risk.
• Body frame size: Smaller, thinner individuals tend to have less bone mass to begin with, increasing their risk.
• Race: People of Caucasian or Asian descent have a higher risk.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis? 

Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" because it typically doesn't cause symptoms until a bone is broken. However, some possible signs and symptoms may include:

• Back pain: Caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra.
• Loss of height: Over time, compression fractures in the spine can cause a person to lose height.
• Stooped posture: Due to weakening vertebrae, leading to a hunched back (kyphosis).

How is osteoporosis diagnosed

Osteoporosis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and a Bone density test (DXA scan)

How can I prevent osteoporosis?

While osteoporosis cannot always be prevented, certain steps can help reduce the risk:

• Calcium and vitamin D: Ensuring adequate intake from diet or supplements.
• Regular exercise: Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises improve bone density.
• Healthy lifestyle: Avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight are critical.
• Bone density testing: Women aged 65 and older, and men aged 70 and older, should consider routine bone density testing to assess fracture risk.

By managing risk factors and adopting healthy habits early in life, the risk of developing osteoporosis and related fractures can be significantly reduced.