Osteoporosis Health Care Information


Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, most often leading to fractures from even mild stresses like coughing or vacuuming. In the early stages, you usually won’t experience any pain or other symptoms, but once the bones have become weakened, you may experience back pain, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, and fractures to the spine, wrists, hips and other bones.

 

Osteoporosis can occur in men, but it most often affects women after menopause. When estrogen levels drop, bone loss increases dramatically. Risk factors for osteoporosis include aging, being female, low body weight, low estrogen levels, smoking and some medications.

 

Early detection is important. Discuss a prevention strategy with your doctor, and if you’re a woman, be sure to do it well before menopause. You can take steps throughout your life to keep your bones strong and healthy by exercising regularly and getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, which is essential for absorbing the calcium.