Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle due to loss of bone density and quality, making them more likely to fracture — often from a fall that wouldn't normally cause a broken bone.

Why It's Called a "Silent" Disease

Bone loss happens gradually and painlessly, so osteoporosis is usually only discovered after a fracture occurs (commonly in the hip, spine, or wrist) or through a bone density scan — there are typically no symptoms in the earlier stages.

Who Is at Higher Risk

Risk increases with age, particularly after menopause due to the drop in estrogen, which plays a protective role in bone density. Other risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis, being underweight, smoking, excessive alcohol use, long-term use of certain medications (such as corticosteroids), and low calcium or vitamin D intake over time. Osteoporosis is often thought of as a women's condition, but it also affects men — age-related bone loss, low testosterone, and long-term corticosteroid use are notable risk factors — and men account for a meaningful share of fragility fractures; men with these risk factors should discuss screening with a doctor.

How It's Diagnosed

A bone density scan (DEXA scan) measures bone mineral density and is the standard test for diagnosis, typically recommended for women over 65, postmenopausal women with risk factors, and others with specific risk factors regardless of age.

Prevention and Management

Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol all support bone health. For those already diagnosed, medications that slow bone loss or build bone density are available and effective at reducing fracture risk.

Warning Signs Worth a Doctor's Visit

Because early osteoporosis has no symptoms, new or worsening back pain, a noticeable loss of height, or a fracture from a minor fall or bump warrants prompt medical evaluation — these can be signs of an undiagnosed vertebral compression fracture or underlying osteoporosis, even before a scheduled bone density scan.