|
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disorder of the bones characterized by decreased bone mass (generalized thinning of the bones), which also decreases bone strength. Because weakened bones aremore fragile and more likely to break, people with osteoporosis are at increased risk of fractures, especially fragility fractures (broken bones that happen with little or no trauma). In the United States, osteoporosis causes more than 1.3 million fractures annually and is much more common in women than in men. The most common first fracture is a wrist fracture, which typically occurs at age 50 to 70 in women. Hip fractures and fractures of the spine (compression fractures) may also occur and are most common in patients who are in their 70s. Osteoporosis can cause a great deal of suffering, and it can also increase the risk of death, particularly after a hip fracture.
What does your doctor look for?
When taking your history, your doctor will look for factors that increase your risk of osteoporosis. These risk factors include:
Being female
Being age 40 or older Being a postmenopausal woman who does not take estrogen replacement medication
Having a diet low in calcium
Leading a sedentary lifestyle, with little or no routine exercise
Being thin
Taking certain medications, such as prednisone
Having a certain ethnic background (Caucasians and those of Asian descent are more at risk for osteoporosis than African- Americans)
Smoking
Using alcohol to excess
Having a family history of osteoporosis
Having a history of at least one fragility fracture.
|
