The Surprising Facts about Osteoporosis and Who's at Most Risk

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones, making them fragile and causing them to fracture (break) easily. This is especially true for the hip, spine and wrist bones. Osteoporosis often progresses without symptoms, which means you might not know you have it until you break a bone. It is common in postmenopausal women and older adults—including men.

Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but it is usually more common in postmenopausal women than in men. That's likely because women lose estrogen after menopause. However, some men, especially men older than 65, can also develop this condition. In fact, the number of fractures of fragile bones in men has increased in recent years.

A bone density test, also called a DXA scan, is the best way to check your bone health. It measures how strong or dense your bones are and can help detect problems early. It is similar to an X-ray, though more detailed. It is a painless test. 

Depending on your health, exercise and other factors, your doctor can guide you on how often you may need testing. Usually, those persons who have reached menopause or are over 65 years old are recommended to have a bone density. You may also need to test for osteoporosis if you are younger than 65 and have other risk factors such as a low body mass index (BMI) or a family history of osteoporosis. Other factors that increase your risk include:

• Cigarette smoking
• Long-term use of steroid medications such as prednisone
• Having rheumatoid arthritis, early menopause, diabetes, chronic liver disease or a thyroid condition
• Excessive alcohol consumption (three or more drinks a day).

Osteoporosis treatment focuses on making your bones stronger. It often involves a combination of medication, a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and exercise. Your treatment options will likely depend on your DXA results and your medical history.

If you have osteoporosis, you should see your doctor regularly. It's an excellent opportunity to review your diet, physical activity and medications. Your provider can also give you helpful lifestyle advice and tips to avoid falling, which often contribute to fractures in older adults. They may also discuss the need for a follow-up bone density test with you.

Sources:

Osteoporosis in Men | NIAMS (nih.gov)

Patient education: Bone density testing (Beyond the Basics) - UpToDate

Osteoporosis | MedlinePlus

 I Am Concerned About Osteoporosis: What Do I Need to Know? | Geriatrics | JAMA Internal Medicine | JAMA Network