Osteoporosis and Bone Health

Osteoporosis can result from many factors, including the following: 

• A decrease in estrogen in women after menopause, and testosterone in men as they age 
• An overactive parathyroid or thyroid gland   
• A family history of osteoporosis 
• Low body weight and a small frame 
• Drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men 
• Smoking 
• Some medications, including some steroids and anti-epileptic drugs 
• Some autoimmune and digestive diseases, and other medical conditions including cancer
• Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D 
• Lack of exercise, especially strength training  

Osteoporosis is often called a "silent" disease because bone loss often occurs without obvious symptoms.  

The following can indicate possible osteoporosis: 

• Loss of height over time 
• Stooped posture that develops as you age 
• A fracture resulting from a seemingly minor bump or fall 

Osteoporosis is most often diagnosed during routine screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for: 

• Women over age 65 
• Women of any age who have any of the symptoms or risk factors listed above 

Screening for osteoporosis involves the following: 

• Annual physical exam: Every year after you turn 50, your primary care provider should record how tall you are without shoes. This will detect any loss of height. 
• Bone density test (DEXA scan): An imaging test, called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, is the only way to diagnose osteoporosis before you break a bone. It estimates the density of your bones and the probability that you'll have a fracture.  
• Fracture risk assessment (FRAX): This calculator uses information about your bone density and other risk factors to estimate your 10-year bone fracture risk.