Osteoporosis is a disease that causes very weak bones that break easily.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get osteoporosis, but women are more likely to get it than men. You are more likely to get it if:
- He is over 50 years old
- Smoke
- Have a low body weight
- Have family members who had osteoporosis or broken bones
- Not getting enough exercise
- Drinking alcohol (more than 3 drinks/day)
- You take certain medicines for a long time, such as anti-seizure medicines or steroids.
How do I know if I have osteoporosis?
There are tests that use X-rays or sound waves to measure bone density. These tests are painless. Ask your doctor if you should be tested.
- X-ray tests, called DXA scans, examine the spine, hip, or wrist. DXA scans use very few X-ray waves.
- Newer sound wave tests, called ultrasounds, examine your heel.
How is it treated?
There is no way to cure osteoporosis. There are things you can do to slow it down.
Talk with your doctor to make a plan to keep your bones healthy.
Clinical trials can help doctors learn more about osteoporosis treatments. Visit the Women in clinical trials website for more information on how you can participate.
Prescription drugs
There are prescription drugs you can take. These medicines come as a pill, patch, or injection. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before you stop taking your medicine.
Bisphosphonates are a common type of medication given to slow bone loss. Your doctor may offer you other medications.
- Talk to your doctor about how long should you take these medicines.
- Tell your doctor if you start to have side effects such as new hip or thigh pain. Some people taking these medicines have broken their femurs.
- Some of these medicines can irritate your throat.
- It can also cause severe problems with the jaw bones.
Dietary supplements
Dietary supplements are products that people add to their diets. They include vitamins, powders, energy bars, and herbs.
Talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement. These can affect your other medicines and make you sick.
Changes in lifestyle
There are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
- Stay physically active. Do weight-bearing exercises, such as walking.
- Do not smoke.
- Restrict alcohol consumption.
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Your doctor may suggest that you take calcium and vitamin pills.
