Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones of the skeleton become weakened, thin, and brittle. This weakening can often lead to bone breaks and fractures.
If you are in the early stages of osteoporosis, you might not realize you have it. Bone loss often presents with no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, but as bones continue to thin, some symptoms become more prominent. Someone who suffers from osteoporosis may experience back pain or poor posture. More severe symptoms include a reduction in height because of compressed or fractured vertebrae, or an increase in fractures sustained from falls or from simple movements such as coughing or bending over.
While this condition can affect anyone regardless of sex, race, and age, it is most common in older women of Caucasian and Asian descent. Some people are at high risk for osteoporosis because of medication they take or other medical conditions they have. While there are some risk factors that cannot be modified, there are some ways to strengthen bones and prevent the disease.
Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease. It is recommended that women who are menopausal begin the screening process; this includes an exam every one-two years to ensure bone health. Signature Women’s Health physicians can help; schedule an appointment with an OB-GYN physician to determine whether or not you are at risk for osteoporosis and to learn how you can better prevent the disease.