In osteoporosis, the density and quality of bones is reduced making them brittle and fragile. The term osteoporosis translates to “porous bone”. People with osteoporosis can experience bone fracture from very minor stress on the bone. Simple, everyday activities, such as coughing, sneezing or bending over, can cause a fracture. These fractures occur most often in the hip, spine, or wrist.
Who Gets Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is most common in postmenopausal women, but it can affect both men and women of all ages and races. Risk factors include:
- Over 30 years old
- White or Asian
- Small bone structure
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Personal history of fracture from low-level injury
- Reduced sex hormones due to menopause, hysterectomy, and other causes
- Eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, and orthorexia
- Immobility or inactivity
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Cushing’s disease
- Low calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Certain medications
Medications that increase risk of osteoporosis include:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Prilosec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Certain type 2 diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones (TZDs), including Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone)
- Certain antidepressants
- Aromatase inhibitors
- Glucocorticoids and corticosteroids including prednisone
- Certain immunosuppressants
Osteoporosis Symptoms
Osteoporosis does not always produce noticeable symptoms. Signs of osteoporosis can include:
- Fragility-related fracture
- Loss of height
- Stooped posture
- Joint or muscle aches
- Difficulty getting out of a chair without using your arms to push up
Osteoporosis Treatment
There are many treatment options for osteoporosis including:
- Dietary changes
- Exercise
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Evista (raloxifene) which mimics some of the actions of estrogen
- Bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax (alendronic acid) and Boniva (ibandronic acid)
