Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that weakens bones, making them fragile and significantly more susceptible to sudden, unexpected fractures.

Symptoms

Often called a "silent disease," osteoporosis typically causes no early symptoms until a bone breaks. Later signs include back pain, loss of height, or a stooped posture.

Causes

Bones are living tissue constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the loss of old bone.

Risk Factors

• Advanced age and female gender
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Hormonal changes (such as menopause)
• Low calcium intake and sedentary lifestyle
• Tobacco and excessive alcohol use

Diagnosis

Physicians diagnose osteoporosis using a painless Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test, typically a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, to measure bone strength.

Treatment

Management focuses on strengthening existing bone through lifestyle modifications, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, fall-prevention strategies, and targeted medications.