Condition Overview
Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Osteoporosis. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.
Bone DiseasePrevalence Available
Bone Disease
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from minor bumps or even from sneezing. Osteoporosis means 'porous bone.' It is the most common reason for a broken bone among older adults.
5
Symptoms
5
Causes
6
Treatments
5
Prevention
Need Help?
Our specialists can guide you through symptoms and treatment options.
Book Appointment24/7 Emergency: +91 1800-MEDICARE
Symptoms
- No symptoms in early stages
- Back pain (due to fractured or collapsed vertebra)
- Loss of height over time
- Stooped posture
- Bone fracture more easily than expected
Causes
- Bone density peaks around age 30 then declines
- Hormonal changes (menopause, low testosterone)
- Calcium and vitamin D deficiency
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Certain medications (steroids, some cancer treatments)
Diagnosis
- DEXA scan (bone mineral density)
- Blood and urine tests
- X-rays
- Vertebral fracture assessment
- FRAX fracture risk tool
Treatment
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Bisphosphonates
- RANK ligand inhibitors (denosumab)
- Hormone therapy
- Bone-building medications (teriparatide)
- Exercise
Risk Factors
- Female sex
- Advanced age
- Low body weight
- Family history
- Low sex hormone levels
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Certain medications
Prevention
- Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
- Regular weight-bearing exercise
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Fall prevention
Prevalence
About 10 million Americans have osteoporosis; another 44 million have low bone density.
Learn More
Verified medical information source from NIAMS.
Visit NIAMS ReferenceRelated Conditions
Bone Disease
Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)
Avascular necrosis, also called osteonecrosis, is bone death caused by reduced blood flow to the bone. When blood doesn't reach bone tissue, the bone begins to die and may eventually collapse. The hip is the most commonly affected joint, but avascular necrosis can also occur in the knee, shoulder, ankle, and wrist.
Bone DiseaseLow Bone Density (Osteopenia)
Osteopenia refers to bone mineral density that is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. People with osteopenia have weaker bones than normal and are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures. Osteopenia is a warning sign that action should be taken to improve bone health.
Bone DiseaseOsteomalacia (Rickets in Adults)
Osteomalacia is a condition in which the bones become soft and weak due to a defect in the bone-building process. In children, this condition is called rickets. It most commonly results from vitamin D deficiency, which impairs the absorption of calcium and phosphate needed for bone mineralization. Unlike osteoporosis (loss of already mineralized bone), osteomalacia is a failure to mineralize new bone.