What Is Osteoporosis? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone density. Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis than men, although the condition can occur to anyone. A patient diagnosed with osteoporosis is more prone to fractures and bone breaks. If you need Boca Raton osteoporosis consultation, do not delay in seeking an appointment with a gynecologist. Here are some basic aspects of osteoporosis at a glance, including symptoms and risk factors. 

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

Unfortunately, there are no early symptoms of the condition or bone loss. If the condition has progressed, patients may have back pain, loss of height, and a stooped posture. More often than not, patients are diagnosed with osteoporosis after a fracture. Other symptoms include receding gums, brittle nails, and reduced grip strength.  

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors for Osteoporosis?

There are various risk factors for osteoporosis, some of which are unchangeable. Gender (women are more likely to develop osteoporosis), age, and race are common risk factors. Older people are more susceptible to the condition. Osteoporosis can also run in the family. Lower levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen, are significant risk factors. People with an overactive thyroid, parathyroid, or adrenal glands are at a greater risk. Lack of calcium in the diet, eating disorders, and certain surgeries can lead to osteoporosis. Patients who have been diagnosed with other conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, celiac disease, and cancer, are also more susceptible to the condition, often because of the medications prescribed. 

How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

Your doctor may do a physical exam and order other tests if osteoporosis is suspected. Typically, a bone density test is recommended, which is called bone densitometry. The test will check bone density in your hips, wrists, and spine, which are more at risk. The procedure is painless and lasts for about 30 minutes. 

How Is Osteoporosis Treated?

Doctors may prescribe medications and supplements, depending on the symptoms and extent of the disease. Your doctor may also ask to increase Vitamin D and calcium intake, besides suggesting other lifestyle changes. You may have to adhere to selected forms of physical activity if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. While there is no absolute cure for osteoporosis, early diagnosis and treatment can protect your bones. Medications can help slow the breakdown of bones caused by the condition. Bisphosphonates are typically prescribed to minimize loss of bone mass, while testosterone therapy is often recommended for men. There is some evidence that certain supplements can slow down the progression of the disease. 

Check With Your Doctor

Osteoporosis can cause severe complications, including hip fractures, which can take months to heal. If your mother or an immediate family member has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may want to check with your doctor to assess your risk of the condition. While you may not have immediate symptoms, lifestyle and diet changes can help in minimizing the unexpected complications. You can check online to find more on osteoporosis but do not self-treat the condition.