Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more vulnerable to fractures. It’s often called a “silent disease” because there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects more than 54 million Americans, and one in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.

What Causes Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough new bone tissue, or when the body reabsorbs too much old bone tissue. This process can be caused by a variety of factors, including:.

Lack of calcium and vitamin D
Lack of physical activity
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Family history of osteoporosis
Low levels of estrogen in women

Who is at Risk for Osteoporosis?

While osteoporosis can affect anyone, there are certain groups of people who are at higher risk, including:.

Women over the age of 50
Men over the age of 70
Postmenopausal women
Individuals with a family history of osteoporosis
Individuals with a history of fractures
Individuals with low body weight or a small frame
Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism

Preventing and Treating Osteoporosis

The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to maintain a healthy lifestyle that incorporates a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Additionally, it’s important to get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet to support bone health.

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are several medications available that can slow down or even reverse the bone loss process. Common medications for osteoporosis include bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, and calcitonin.

Living with Osteoporosis

If you have osteoporosis, there are several things you can do to manage your symptoms and prevent fractures. These include:.

Getting enough calcium and vitamin D
Exercising regularly, particularly weight-bearing exercises such as walking or dancing
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Taking steps to prevent falls, such as keeping your home well-lit and removing tripping hazards

Conclusion

Osteoporosis can be a serious and disabling condition, but it is also preventable and treatable.

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting regular bone density screenings, individuals can reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis and prevent fractures from happening.