Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeleton characterized by a loss of bone mineral density and a deterioration of the microarchitecture of bone tissue.
As a result, bones become weaker and are exposed to a greater risk of fracture following the slightest trauma. The most common osteoporosis-related fractures affect the hip, the wrist, the spine and the femur bone.
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Symptoms
The early stages of bone loss usually do not cause any pain or other symptoms. However, once the bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, signs and symptoms of this condition appear, including:
- Back ache, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
- Loss of height over time
- A stooped posture
- A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected
When to see a doctor:
- You suffered a bone fracture that was spontaneous or caused by mild trauma
- You took corticosteroids for a long period of time
- You have a family history of osteoporosis
Causes
Bones are in a constant state of renewal: new bone tissue is made and old bone tissue is reabsorbed. When you’re young, your body produces new bone faster than it breaks down old bone, therefore your bone mass increases. Most people reach their peak bone mass by the age of 20. As people age, bone tissue is lost faster than it is created; this affects its density, facilitating the osteoporosis process. How likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends partly on how much bone mass you attained in your youth. The higher your peak bone mass, the more bone you have and the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis as you age.
Risk factors
Risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing osteoporosis include age, race, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions and treatments.
Some risk factors for osteoporosis are out of your control, including:
Sex. Women have a higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis compared to men.
Age. The older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
Ethnicity. You’re at greatest risk of osteoporosis if you’re white or of Asian descent.
Family history. Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk.
Bone mass. Men and women with lower bone mass have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
Hormonal levels. Osteoporosis is more common in people who have too much or too little of certain hormones in their bodies. Examples of imaging include:
Sex hormones. The reduction of oestrogen levels in women at menopause is one of the strongest risk factors for developing osteoporosis. Treatments for breast cancer can also reduce oestrogen levels. Men experience a gradual reduction in testosterone levels as they age, but treatments for prostate cancer can reduce testosterone levels in younger men. Lowered sex hormone levels tend to weaken the bones.
Thyroid problems. An excessive amount of thyroid hormone can cause bone loss. This can occur if your thyroid is overactive or if you take too much thyroid hormone medication to treat an underactive thyroid.
Other glands. Osteoporosis has also been associated with overactive parathyroid and adrenal glands.
Dietary factors Osteoporosis is more likely to occur in people who have:
Low calcium intake. A lifelong lack of calcium plays a role in the development of osteoporosis. Low calcium intake contributes to diminished bone density, early bone loss and an increased risk of fractures.
Eating disorders. People suffering with anorexia are more likely to develop osteoporosis. A low food intake can reduce calcium intake. In women, anorexia can lead to amenorrhea, which in turn weakens bones.
Surgical weight loss. Conditions affecting nutrient absorption caused by surgical procedure can contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
Steroids and other drugs
Long-term use of oral or injected corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone and cortisone, interferes with the bone synthesis and rebuilding process.
Complications
Bone fractures, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complication of osteoporosis. Hip fractures often are caused by a fall and can result in disability and even death due to complications after the injury, especially in elderly patients.
In some cases, spinal fractures can occur even without a trauma. The bones that make up your spine (vertebrae) can weaken to the point that they may crumple, which can result in back pain, loss of height and a hunched forward posture.
Tests and diagnosis
The most common test used to measure bone density is a Computerized Bone Mineralometry. This is a quick and easy process, which gives accurate results. This painless procedure measures bone density in the spine, hip, and wrists, that is to say, in the areas at greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
