Condition Basics
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects your bones. It means that you have bones that are thin and brittle with lots of holes inside them like a sponge. This makes them easy to break. Osteoporosis can lead to broken bones (fractures) in the hip, spine, and wrist. These fractures can be disabling and may make it hard for you to live on your own.
Osteoporosis affects millions of older adults. It usually occurs after age 60. It's most common in women, but anyone can get it.
What causes it?
Osteoporosis is caused by a lack of bone strength or bone density. It's usually caused by low estrogen levels, like in menopause. Other causes include medicines such as steroids, kidney problems, and smoking.
What are the symptoms?
In the early stages of osteoporosis, you probably won't have symptoms. Sometimes the first sign is a broken bone in your hip, spine, or wrist after a bump or fall. As the disease gets worse, symptoms include back pain and a curved upper back.
How is it diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is diagnosed using a bone density test. It can also be diagnosed if you break certain bones just from falling down.
How is osteoporosis treated?
Treatment for osteoporosis includes medicine to reduce bone loss and to build bone strength. To make your bones stronger, eat foods that contain calcium and vitamin D. And do activities like walking and lifting weights.
