Potential Effects of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often called a "silent" disease. You can't feel your bones getting weaker. And unless you've had a bone fracture, you may have no pain at all. For many women, osteoporosis has no symptoms.

That's why bone density tests are so important to find out if you have osteoporosis. If you are being managed for postmenopausal osteoporosis, routine bone density tests can tell if your bones are getting stronger and if your management plan is working.

Osteoporosis-related Fractures

The hip, spine, and wrist are where most osteoporosis-related fractures occur, but any bones can be affected. With osteoporosis, bones can break from a minor fall or, in severe cases, even from a simple action such as sneezing.

The ultimate goal of osteoporosis management is to prevent fractures. Osteoporosis-related fractures can limit your ability to move freely and keep up with your day-to-day activities. A hip fracture, for example, usually requires surgery and hospitalization. Other types of breaks can keep you in a cast for weeks or even months. By keeping your bones strong, you can help reduce your risk of fractures.

Help Increase Fracture Awareness

Sharing your knowledge about fractures can also help other women who have osteoporosis.

According to the 2004 Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis, about half of women age 50 and over will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Yet research shows that many women diagnosed with osteoporosis don’t think they are at higher risk for fractures than women without the disease.

Making a friend or loved one aware of fracture risks can help her see the importance of improving her bone health.