Causes

Bone loss is a normal part of the aging process, but some people lose more bone than others or lose bone at a faster rate. Recognizing the risk factors for osteoporosis is important because you may be able to prevent it from occurring or slow down the loss of bone.

Risk factors that cannot be changed:

• Being female
• Thin or small frame
• Over age 65
• Family history of fracture with minor trauma in parent or sibling

Risk factors that can be changed:

• Postmenopausal and not on estrogen replacement therapy
• Diet low in calcium and vitamin D
• Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids or some anticonvulsants
• Inactivity
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive use of alcohol

Symptoms

Bone begins to thin without symptoms. You may not know if you have osteoporosis until a fall or an accident causes the hip or another bone to fracture. Sometimes the signs of osteoporosis are seen in the back and spine. These symptoms include pain, loss of height, a stooped posture, and spinal deformities.

Osteoporosis can be diagnosed by having your bone mass measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) tests measure bone density mass in the spine, hip, or wrist. The most common test is called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA). It is safe and painless. In addition to diagnosing osteoporosis, a BMD test can:

• Detect low bone density before a fracture occurs
• Estimate your chances of bone fracture in the future
• Determine your rate of bone loss
• Monitor the effects of medication

In some cases a BMD test may not be necessary. For most women, BMD tests are not needed until after menopause. Insurance usually covers the cost. Talk to your health provider about whether the test is right for you.

Prevention

Starting early is a key to preventing osteoporosis. Bone thinning happens over time. It’s best to start good habits long before you become concerned about osteoporosis with the aging process.

• Make sure there is calcium in your diet, or if you can’t tolerate dairy products, take calcium supplements.
• Get enough vitamin D by spending time in natural sunlight and by eating foods rich in vitamin D. If you can’t get enough in your diet, or if you can’t get into the sun regularly, you may take vitamin D supplements of 400 to 800 IU, the amount found in most multivitamins.
• Exercise regularly, especially weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, and aerobics.
• Stop smoking. Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen, and that increases the loss of bone density.
• Control drinking. People who drink heavily tend to have more bone loss and more fractures.

Recommended Daily Calcium Intakes for Males and Females

Self-Care

There is no cure for osteoporosis, but you can learn to live with it and to strengthen your bones. Steps for living with osteoporosis include: 

• Weight-bearing activities. Walking, jogging, or dancing puts healthy stress on bones, making them stronger. Activity also can help you be steadier on your feet by improving muscle strength, coordination, and balance.
• Healthy diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D. A balanced diet, based on the food pyramid, provides a variety of foods that are important to your overall health. It is especially important to make sure you are getting adequate calcium and vitamin D, either from the food you eat or supplements. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you should have 1500 mg of calcium per day and 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D.
• Medication. Ask your doctor about medications that can slow bone loss or help new bone to form. There are several new medications for treating osteoporosis by reducing bone loss and increasing bone density.