- Understanding Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis Tests
- Osteoporosis Medications
- Diet and Exercise for Osteoporosis
- Other Ways to Manage Osteoporosis
Understanding Osteoporosis
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become thin, weak, and can break easily. About half of all women over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Read more about osteoporosis.
What is postmenopausal osteoporosis?
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a direct result of the estrogen loss that occurs during menopause. The drop in estrogen can lead to the loss of bone mass, making the bones more fragile and prone to fracture.
How do I know if I have osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is called a "silent disease" because you don’t feel your bones getting weaker. Without testing, you might not know you have the disease until a bone breaks. It’s also possible to have spinal fractures with no pain. You can find out if you have osteoporosis by getting a bone mineral density (BMD) test. If you are being treated for osteoporosis, repeat BMD tests can help you know if your bones are getting stronger, weaker, or staying the same.
What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, these are some factors that increase the risk for the disease:
- Being female
- Older age
- Family history of osteoporosis or broken bones
- Being small and thin
- History of broken bones
- Low sex hormones
- Low estrogen levels in women, including menopause
- Missing periods (amenorrhea)
- Low levels of testosterone and estrogen in men
- Diet
- Inactive lifestyle
- Smoking and excessive alcohol intake (3 or more drinks a day)
- Certain medications such as steroid medications, some anticonvulsants, and others
- Certain diseases and conditions such as anorexia nervosa, rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal diseases, and others
What is the connection between menopause and osteoporosis?
The sharp drop in estrogen levels during menopause leads to a rise in the cells that cause bone loss, putting women at high risk for osteoporosis. Women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the first 5 to 7 years after menopause.
What is the role of family history in the risk of fracture?
Heredity and genetics play a major role in osteoporosis. If one of your parents or a sibling has osteoporosis, you are at greater risk for the disease, especially if you also have a family history of fractures.
Osteoporosis Tests
What are the tests for osteoporosis?
Bone mineral density (BMD) tests measure the amount of mineral in bones. BMD tests help doctors diagnose osteoporosis, confirm that fractures are osteoporosis-related, predict risk for future fractures, and determine if an osteoporosis management plan may be helpful. Read more about BMD Tests.
What is a T-score?
A T-score is a result from bone mineral density (BMD) tests. Your T-score shows if you have normal bone density (T-score of -1 and above); low bone mass, also called osteopenia (T-score between -1 and -2.5); or osteoporosis (T-score of -2.5 and below). T-scores can help you and your doctor decide if an osteoporosis management plan should be considered.
How often do I need to have a bone density test?
If you are taking an osteoporosis medication, your doctor will probably have you retested every 2 years or more frequently, as recommended by your doctor, in order to assess how well your management plan is working.
Osteoporosis Medications
What medications are available for osteoporosis?
There are different categories of osteoporosis medications. Antiresorptive medications slow the loss of bone; they include bisphosphonates, calcitonin, estrogen therapies, and estrogen agonists/antagonists. Another group—anabolic medications—work by forming new bone.
What should I do to make the most of my osteoporosis medication?
Take your medication according to directions. If you are finding it difficult to take your medication as prescribed, consult your doctor. Follow diet and exercise guidelines for healthy bones. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise or diet program. And get repeat bone density tests so you and your doctor can monitor your progress. Read more about these tips.
Diet and Exercise for Osteoporosis
Why do I need calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones?
Calcium is a major part of our bones, and it keeps bones strong. The body cannot produce calcium on its own, so we need to get it through the foods we eat or supplements. Vitamin D is needed for your body to absorb calcium.
How much calcium do I need?
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, adults under age 50 need 1000 mg of calcium daily. Adults age 50 and older need 1200 mg of calcium daily. Read more about calcium.
How do I get enough calcium?
There are many foods that contain calcium, including low-fat and fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese, broccoli, dried figs, dry roasted almonds, calcium-fortified orange juice, cereals, breads, and other foods.
How do I get enough vitamin D?
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, adults under age 50 need 400-800 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily. Adults age 50 and older need 800-1000 IU of vitamin D daily. Vitamin D is produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight and is also contained in some foods. Many people need vitamin D supplements.
Should I take supplements for my osteoporosis?
To meet their daily calcium needs, many people rely on a combination of calcium-rich foods and supplements. Calcium supplements come as pills, capsules, chewable tablets, chewable candies, powders, and tablets that dissolve in water. To meet daily vitamin D needs, supplements are often needed. If you don’t know if you may need supplements, talk with your doctor. Some calcium supplements and multivitamins include vitamin D.
How does exercise help with osteoporosis?
Two types of exercises—weight-bearing exercise and muscle-strengthening exercise—can increase your bone density. Other types of exercise can help you avoid falls that could cause fractures. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Read more about exercise for osteoporosis.
Other Ways to Manage Osteoporosis
Does smoking affect bone health?
Yes, smoking can affect bone health. Smoking can make it harder for your bones to absorb calcium. For women, smoking can also prevent estrogen from protecting your bones.
Does alcohol affect bone health?
Drinking heavily can reduce bone formation. It can also affect your balance, increasing your chance of falling and breaking a bone. In moderate amounts (no more than 2 drinks a day), alcohol does not harm your bones.
