Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis Overview
• Osteoporosis Causes
• Osteoporosis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Osteoporosis Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related osteoporosis articles:
  Osteoporosis - on WebMD

Osteoporosis - on MedicineNet

Osteoporosis Overview

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue that may lead to weak and fragile bones. If you have osteoporosis, you have an increased risk for fractured bones (broken bones), particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist.

Osteoporosis often was thought to be a condition that frail elderly women develop. However, the damage from osteoporosis begins much earlier in life. Because peak bone density is reached at approximately age 25 years, it is important to build strong bones by that age, so that the bones will remain strong later in life. Adequate calcium intake is an essential part of building strong bones. 

In the United States, nearly 10 million people already have osteoporosis. Another 18 million people have low bone mass that places them at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Eighty percent of those with osteoporosis are women. Of people older than 50 years, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 8 men are predicted to have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of osteoporosis among US white women past menopause is estimated to be 14% in those aged 50-59 years, 22% in those aged 60-69 years, 39% in those aged 70-79 years, and 70% in those aged 80 years and older. Significant risk has been reported in people of all ethnic backgrounds. White and Asian racial groups, however, are at a greater risk.