Osteoporosis refers to weak bones. Osteopenia is another term, sometimes used to describe a less severe condition of weaker bones. Both are “silent” diseases because bone loss often occurs without you knowing it. As a result, bones become weak, and are more likely to break (fracture). Certain medications can cause bone loss if used for a longer time. Use over a short time, such as a few weeks, is usually not a problem. Broken bones can lead to pain and disability. For example, some older people who break a hip may lose their ability to function independently. A significant percentage of these individuals also tend to have a shorter lifespan after sustaining a hip fracture.
Until about age 30, our body forms enough new bone to replace the bone that is naturally broken down by the body (a process called bone turnover). Our highest bone mass (size and thickness) is reached between the ages of 20 and 25, and it declines after that. After menopause, women begin to lose bone at an even faster rate.
A bone mineral density test called a DXA scan uses very low dose X-ray to check measures of bone quality and strength. The results help predict future risk of fracture and help guide decisions as to whether prescription medications are likely to be beneficial. This test can detect early bone loss, even before the more serious condition of osteoporosis occurs.
Osteoporosis prevention and treatment include exercise, and the right amount of calcium and Vitamin D in your diet. Most adults over age 50 need a total of around 1,200 mg of Calcium daily. The best way to get calcium is through the foods you eat. You may need calcium supplements if your diet is not providing enough calcium to keep your bones strong. Taking too much calcium, however, can increase the risk of kidney stones and possibly heart disease. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and build it into the bones. Many adults don’t have enough vitamin D in their bodies.
Older men and women probably should take vitamin D supplements. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends 800 to 1,000 IU (International Units) of vitamin D3 per day, but many individuals need much higher amounts on a daily basis to maintain normal blood levels of Vitamin D. Younger men and women may need to take vitamin D supplements, too. Very high doses of vitamin D, although very rare, can cause serious health problems, so talk with your doctor about how much is right for you.
A well-balanced diet with calcium-rich foods, plus calcium and vitamin D supplements, may not be enough to protect bones and prevent osteoporosis in all people. Everyone's health and family history are different, so the risk of breaking bones differs for each person. Some people may still require prescription medications to treat osteoporosis even though they get enough Calcium and Vitamin D.
Women make up 80 percent of cases. Some common risk factors that make it more likely that you will develop osteoporosis include:
Too much bone loss (osteoporosis) can lead to fractures, which can cause serious health risks, including disability and premature death. Other factors that can lead to osteoporosis include:
Several medicines can cause bone loss if used over the long term (several years). Some common ones include:
Some people who take thyroid hormone worry about bone loss. The doses of thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) don’t harm bone and shouldn’t be cause for concern. Only high doses, used for thyroid cancer treatment, can cause bone loss.
High doses or long-term use of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can raise the risk of bone loss. PPIs, such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and omeprazole, are used for GERD (acid reflux), peptic ulcer, or heartburn. However, getting enough calcium and vitamin D may be enough to lower the risk.