1. Osteoporosis Slideshow Pictures
2. Super Foods for Your Bones Slideshow Pictures
3. Take the Osteoporosis Quiz

Medical Author:

Howard R Smith, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Smoking is bad for the bones as well as for the heart and lungs. Women who smoke have lower estrogen levels compared with women who do not smoke. Lower estrogen levels result in decreased bone mass. Smokers may also absorb less calcium from their diets, and calcium is necessary for strong bones. Finally, women who smoke and choose hormone replacement therapy after menopause may require higher doses of hormones and have more complications.

Regular consumption of 2-3 ounces of alcohol a day may be damaging to bones, even in young women and men. Heavy drinkers are more likely to have bone loss and fractures. This is related to both poor nutrition and increased risk of falling. However, some evidence indicates that moderate alcohol intake may have beneficial effects on bone mass.

No cure exists for osteoporosis, but effective treatment plans are available. Support networks are important to successful treatment. Information on preventing falls and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is widely available (see For More Information). Physical rehabilitation after fractures can be a long process, and psychological and practical support is important. Patient support groups can lessen feelings of isolation and depression. Support groups can also provide practical advice, including strategies to prevent falls and increase mobility.

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