What it is
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones lose density and strength, becoming fragile and more likely to break, often after a minor fall or even without one. The hip, spine and wrist are most often affected.
It's often called a silent disease, because bone loss causes no symptoms until a fracture happens. Osteoporosis is especially common in women after menopause, but men can have it too.
Risks include older age, early menopause, low body weight, family history, smoking, long-term steroid medicines, vitamin D deficiency, and hormone conditions such as an overactive thyroid or parathyroid disease.
Common symptoms
Osteoporosis usually has no symptoms until a bone breaks. Warning signs can include:
- A fracture after a minor fall or bump
- Losing height over time
- A stooped or rounded upper back
- Sudden back pain, which can be a sign of a spinal fracture
When to see a specialist
- You have had a fracture after a minor fall
- You are past menopause with risk factors, or had an early menopause
- You have taken steroid medicines for three months or longer
- A DXA scan shows low bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
- You have a condition that can affect bones, such as thyroid or parathyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment and management
Treatment aims to prevent fractures:
- Assessment: a DXA bone density scan and blood tests to look for underlying causes
- Calcium and vitamin D: from food, sunlight and supplements when needed
- Bone-strengthening medicines for people at higher fracture risk
- Exercise: weight-bearing and balance exercise, adapted to your ability
- Fall prevention: eyesight, footwear, home safety and a medicine review
Bone medicines work best when taken correctly and continued as advised.
How an endocrinologist helps
Dr. Marium Zaman estimates your fracture risk, looks for hormonal and other causes of bone loss, and recommends treatment that suits your health, with follow-up scans and tests to check that it's working.
