Osteoporosis
(“porous bone”) is a
disease characterized by low bone mass and
structural changes causing bones to become
fragile and easily
broken.
Ten million Americans (80 percent women
and 20 percent men) have osteoporosis. Nearly
44 million more are estimated to have low
bone mass and are at risk for
developing osteoporosis. One in two women and one in four men over age
50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture
in their lifetime.
According to the National
Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis causes
more than 1.5 million
fractures each year: 700,000 vertebral
fractures; 300,000 hip fractures;
250,000 wrist fractures and 300,000 fractures at other sites.
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Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Bone loss
occurs without symptoms, making osteoporosis
a “silent disease.” Many
people do not realize they have osteoporosis until they have a fracture.
Fractures can cause pain or can occur without
pain. Bone density tests can detect osteoporosis,
help predict chances of fracture and determine the rate of bone loss.
What
are the Risk Factors?
Several factors can place
one at risk for developing osteoporosis including:
- Being
female
- Thin and/or small frame
- Advanced age
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Post-menopause
(including early or surgically-induced menopause)
- Abnormal
absence of menstrual periods
- Nulliparity (having
never borne children)
- Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- A diet low in calcium
- Use of certain medications,
such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
- Low
testosterone levels in men
- An inactive lifestyle
- High caffeine intake
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive use of alcohol
- Being Caucasian or Asian,
although African Americans and Hispanic
Americans are at significant risk.
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