Osteoporosis is an age-related disease in which bone mineral density decreases, leading to brittle bones being more prone to breaking. The most common risk factor for osteoporosis is aging. Genetic factors also play a role, with men who have a father or brother with the disease being twice as likely to develop osteoporosis than those without this family history. A Boca Raton osteoporosis specialist can diagnose and treat the condition.

Causes

As you age, your bones start to decrease both in density and thickness (this process begins at around age 30). Areas with high bone turnover (such as the pelvis, spine, ribs, and hips) will weaken first. Men tend to lose bone at a slower rate than women; however, after menopause, many women experience accelerated bone loss due to a lack of estrogen.

The following factors can contribute to developing osteoporosis:

• A family history of the disease.
• Race and ethnicity (white and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than black and Hispanic women).
• Being female (women have a 30% greater chance of developing osteoporosis than men, as mentioned above).
• Undergoing hormone replacement therapy (men and women should talk to their doctors about the risks associated with HRT).
• Having a history of smoking cigarettes.
• Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
• A sedentary lifestyle (low levels of exercise and activity will increase your risk for developing osteoporosis).

Symptoms

The symptoms of osteoporosis vary and often mimic other conditions. Osteoporosis may go unnoticed for years because the symptoms are painless and result in no more than a slow-healing bone fracture or a loss of height due to compression of vertebrae (a condition also known as “dowager’s hump”).

There are a few signs and symptoms that you can look out for to determine if you might have osteoporosis. If you experience one or more of the following, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible:

• Unexplained loss of height (in a short period).
• Back pain from compression fractures in the spine.
• Fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine (especially after minimal force or impact).
• A hunched back (in older individuals) due to compression fractures of the vertebrae.
• Symptoms of a broken bone that takes a long time to heal.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of your osteoporosis, treatment will vary. The earlier you seek treatment, the better off you will be (hip fracture, in particular, can lead to impaired mobility, and immobility may result in further bone loss). Also, certain medications may improve bone health.

While there is no cure for osteoporosis, the following treatment options may help. Bisphosphonate bone-building drugs will slow down further bone loss and decrease your chances of developing osteoporotic fractures. You may need to take these medications for several years.

Calcitonin nasal spray or injection (for people who cannot take oral bisphosphonates)

Calcitonin (a hormone that speeds up the laying down of new bone and reduces bone breakdown) is given through a nasal spray or an injection. Calcitonin may not be as effective as other medications, but it can reduce the risk of vertebral fractures.

Estrogen replacement therapy for women after menopause (when estrogen levels drop)

In summary, osteoporosis is an age-related disease where bone mineral density decreases, leading to brittle bones that break easily. It mainly happens in men with a family history of the disease and women after menopause. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, compression fractures in the spine, and a hunched back. Treatments vary depending on severity.