Risk factors

• Anyone over 50
• People after menopause and uterus removal(hysterectomy)
• Smoking and tobacco usage
• Regularly drinking alcohol
• Sedentary life style
• Low calcium and vitamin D in your diet

What are osteoporosis symptoms?

Osteoporosis doesn’t have symptoms like other health conditions do. That’s why healthcare providers sometimes call it a silent disease.

The most common symptom is suddenly fracture of bone especially after a small fall or minor accident that usually wouldn’t hurt you.

Most people don’t know they have osteoporosis until it causes them to break a bone. Most commonly affected bones include your:

• Hip bone fractures
• Wrist fractures
• Spine bone fractures

Warning signs of osteoporosis can include:

• Losing an inch or more of your height
• Changes in your natural posture (stooping or bending forward more)
• Lower back pain

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Checking for changes in your bone density is the best way to catch osteoporosis. Doctors sometimes refer to bone density tests as DEXA scans, DXA scans or bone density scans. All of these are different names that refer to the same test. It’s similar to a typical X-ray.

How is osteoporosis treated?

Your healthcare provider will suggest a combination of treatments that slow down your bone loss and strengthen your existing bone tissue.

The most common osteoporosis treatments include:

• Exercise: Regular exercise can strengthen your bones. You might need to work with a physical therapist to find exercises and movements that are right for you.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements: You might need over-the-counter or prescription calcium or vitamin D supplements. Your provider will tell you which type you need, how often you should take them and which dosage you’ll need.
• Medications for osteoporosis: Some of the most common medications providers use to treat osteoporosis include hormone therapies like replacement oestrogen or testosterone and bisphosphonates. People with severe osteoporosis or a high risk of fractures might need medications, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), denosumab.

How can I lower my risk of osteoporosis?

Exercise and making sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet are usually all you’ll need to prevent osteoporosis. Your provider will help you find a combination of treatments that’s best for you and your bone health.

The most important part of treating osteoporosis is preventing bone fractures. Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of an injury:

• Always wear your seatbelt
• Wear the right protective equipment for all activities and sports
• Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Never stand on chairs, tables or countertops
• Follow a diet and exercise plan that’s healthy for you
• Use a cane or walker if you have difficulty walking or have an increased risk for falls

The sooner a healthcare provider diagnoses osteoporosis, the less likely you are to experience bone fractures. Ask a healthcare provider about checking your bone density, especially if you’re over 65, have had a bone fracture after age 50, or someone in your biological family has osteoporosis.