Osteoporosisis a disease that causes loss of bone mass over time.
However, as it progresses, osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures, which can be extremely painful.
As the disease progresses, osteoporosis can also cause changes in the way you walk and impact your balance.
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Verywell / Gary Ferster
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Bone tissue is constantly breaking down and rebuilding itself through a process called remodeling.
Osteoporosis develops when bone breaks down faster than it builds back up.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
In many people, osteoporosis isn’t diagnosed until they’ve experienced a bone fracture.
It is similar to osteoporosis in that it affects bone mineral density.
Osteopenia is less severe than osteoporosis but should be taken seriously since it can progress to osteoporosis.
If you have osteopenia, a healthcare provider will probably recommend bone density testing every two to five years.
Who Should Get Screened for Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis screening is often recommended for woman over age 65 or for people with risk factors for this condition.
How Is Osteoporosis Treated?
Treatment for osteoporosisfocuses on stopping (or slowing) bone loss and reducing the risk of bone fractures.
Treatment can include:
However, osteoporosis cannot be fully reversed.
Osteoporosis Medications
Medications for osteoporosis can either slow bone loss or help rebuild bone.
Bisphosphonatesare often used first to treat bone loss.
Talk to a healthcare provider about screening for osteoporosisparticularly if you have risk factors for this condition.
Early detection and treatment can help slow bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.
Additional resources for living well with osteoporosis can be found online through theBone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Osteoporosis basics.
National Institute on Aging.Osteoporosis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Bone mineral density tests: What the numbers mean.
Harvard Health Publishing.Osteopenia: When you have weak bones but not osteoporosis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Osteoporosis basics: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
Harvard Health Publishing.Osteoporosis drugs: Which one is right for you?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.What you’re able to do now to help prevent osteoporosis.
