Osteoporosis is a disease that makes your bones porous, thinner and weaker. It doesn’t cause pain, but if you develop osteoporosis, you could break a bone with a relatively minor fall — for example, losing your balance and falling from a standing height could cause a fracture. That type of fall typically won’t break a strong, healthy bone.
Fractures that stem from osteoporosis are common. “One in two post-menopausal women and one in five men over age 50 will have a fracture in their lifetime,” said Kristina Balangue, MD, an internist, geriatrician and palliative care physician at Banner - University Medicine. These injuries, especially hip fractures, can lead to long-term pain, loss of mobility and even a decline in overall health.
Many older adults who fracture their hip never fully recover due to chronic pain both from the fracture itself and from the inactivity it causes. That's why knowing your risk for osteoporosis and taking steps to prevent it is so important.
What puts you at risk for osteoporosis?
Your risk for osteoporosis increase with age, but other factors may also raise your chances of developing it or experiencing a fracture:
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, celiac disease, eating disorders and some cancers
- Cancer treatments, especially hormone-blocking therapies like aromatase inhibitors and androgen deprivation therapy
- Medications such as glucocorticoids (steroids), antidepressants and some medications for chronic pain, seizures, heartburn and arthritis
- Low levels of movement or activity
- Being female or having a small body frame
- Being of Asian or Caucasian descent
- Low calcium and vitamin D intake
- Hormone deficiencies — estrogen in women and testosterone in men
- Smoking or excessive alcohol use
How can you prevent osteoporosis?
You can lower your chances of developing osteoporosis — and reduce your risk of falls and fractures — by making a few healthy changes:
- Stay active with weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise, such as walking, dancing or resistance training
- Practice balance and flexibility exercises, like tai chi or yoga, to help reduce your risk of falling
- Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D — focus on food sources first, and talk to your doctor about supplements if needed
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
- Make your home safer with fall-prevention changes such as removing tripping hazards, using grab bars and improving lighting
“When you exercise, you’re not so deconditioned. So, a simple trip isn’t as likely to lead to a fall,” Dr. Balangue said.
How can you detect osteoporosis?
Most people don't know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. That's why screening is important — especially if you're at higher risk.
A DXA bone density test (also known a DEXA or dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) is a simple, low-dose X-ray that measures the strength of your bones — usually at the hip, spine or wrist.
Doctors generally recommend a DXA scan for:
- Women age 65 and older
- Men age 70 and older
- Younger adults who have high risk factors or a history of fractures
Even if you exercise and eat a healthy diet, it's worth talking to your doctor about getting screened.
“Some people don’t think they need to be tested for osteoporosis because they haven’t broken a bone,” Dr. Balangue said. But it’s important to test before something serious like a hip fracture happens.
How can you treat osteoporosis?
If you've been diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are effective treatments available to help protect or rebuild your bones:
- Antiresorptives medications such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Reclast or Prolia help to slow the breakdown of bone
- Anabolics medications such as Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity can help stimulate new bone growth
Your doctor will help you choose the right treatment based on your health, bone density, age and fracture risk.
The bottom line
Osteoporosis is a common condition that causes your bones to weaken over time, often without symptoms. But there's a lot you can do to reduce your risk. Eating well, staying active, avoiding tobacco and alcohol and getting screened early can all help you stay strong and independent as you age.
Visit bannerhealth.com to connect with a Banner health care provider who can help you protect your bone health.
Other useful articles
- What’s Different About Bone Fractures When You Get Older
- Osteopenia: When You Have Weak Bones
- 5 Tips for Keeping Your Bones Strong as You Age
This content has been updated. The original article was posted on May 20, 2022.
