Osteoporosis
Understanding Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones become weaker and more likely to fracture or break than normal bone. It’s a common disease affecting more than 1 million Australians.
Osteoporosis develops when the bones lose minerals faster than your body can replace them. This causes bones to lose thickness, becoming thinner and less dense. When this happens, even a slight bump or minor fall can cause a serious fracture.
Any bone can be affected, but osteoporosis often affects bones in the hip, spine, and wrist. Fractures of large bones like the hip or vertebra, especially as we are associated with increased risk of further fractures and even early mortality. Fracture prevention is critical for healthy and independent aging.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Gender (women are at higher risk)
- Age
- Family history of fractures (broken bones)
- Low body weight or excessive weight
- Diet low in calcium and vitamin D
- Low hormone levels (e.g., early menopause, irregular or no periods, low testosterone in men)
- Post-menopausal women (due to the rapid decline in oestrogen levels)
- Hormonal conditions (e.g., thyroid conditions, diabetes, pituitary disorders)
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, excessive alcohol, little or no exercise, too much exercise leading to loss of periods)
- Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa)
- Certain medications (e.g., long-term corticosteroids for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions)
Diagnosis
Osteoporosis is done with a bone density test called a DXA or DEXA scan. This simple scan measures the density of your bones, usually at the hip and spine. However any fracture from minimal trauma (fall from standing height or less) is diagnostic of clinical osteoporosis.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis are often not noticeable until a fracture occurs. Spinal fractures can cause back pain, height loss, or a rounded spine, which might be mistaken for aging.
Treatment
Treatment is crucial to prevent further fractures. It includes:
- Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
- Weight-bearing and balance exercises
- Medications to slow bone loss or increase bone density
Early detection can help slow the rate of bone loss and prevent fractures. This can be achieved through a combination of diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, along with medication for some people. Preventative steps include getting enough calcium and vitamin D, doing weight-bearing exercises, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you have osteoporosis, even a minor fall can cause a broken bone, leading to a loss of independence, disability, and even premature death. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and management.
Dr Smith's Blog Posts on Osteoporosis
Click to read more:
- Osteoporotic Fractures and Mortality Risk
- Should I take a calcium supplement for my bone health
- Depo-Provera Contraception lowers bone density and should generally not be used for long-term contraception
- The Importance of Re-Fracture Prevention and Understanding Bone Density
- Understanding Atypical Femoral Fractures
- Understanding Bone Density Loss During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Decoding Bone Mineral Density (BMD/DEXA) Results
- Prolia should I keep taking it?
- Understanding Calcium Levels and Bone Health
- Hormonal Contraception and Bone Health: A Complex Relationship
- PODCAST – Can you reverse Bone Density?