Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a progressive metabolic bone disease that causes a decrease in bone density and gives rise to weak, fragile bones that are prone to fracture. Most commonly, these fractures occur in the spine, wrist and hips when a person falls or bumps into something. If such an event triggers a visit to the doctor, a test of the bone mineral density called a DEXA scan may be performed and reveal osteoporosis.

The term osteoporosis refers to the porous (spongy) state of bone that eventually manifests as the bone’s ability to replenish itself declines over time. When individuals reach the age of around 40, the rate of bone breakdown starts to exceed the rate at which it is replaced, creating increasingly larger holes in the bone that make it less dense and more prone to fracture.

Some of the risk factors for osteoporosis such as gender, age and family history for the condition cannot be changed. However, factors such as diet and activity level can be improved to increase bone strength and individuals are advised to exercise regularly, eat a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium, and quit any smoking or drinking habits.

Osteoporosis is currently thought to be affecting more than 200 million people worldwide but is most common among older, post-menopausal women who have reduced levels of estrogen, an important contributor to bone health.
Bone Disease

Bone disease is a condition that damages the skeleton and makes bones weak and prone to fractures. Weak bones are not a natural part of aging. While strong bones begin in childhood, people of all ages can improve their bone health.

Read More

Overview

Feature Articles

Latest Osteoporosis News and Research

Protein discovery offers insights into bone health and potential treatments for osteoporosis

Protein discovery offers insights into bone health and potential treatments for osteoporosis

Exploring the role of gut microbes in the aging process

Exploring the role of gut microbes in the aging process

CheekAge: Next-gen epigenetic clock accurately predicts mortality risk

CheekAge: Next-gen epigenetic clock accurately predicts mortality risk

CheekAge can accurately predict the risk of mortality, study shows

CheekAge can accurately predict the risk of mortality, study shows

New $5 million grant expands access to geriatric care for seniors in eastern Pennsylvania

New $5 million grant expands access to geriatric care for seniors in eastern Pennsylvania

Extended estrogen suppression treatment found safe for postmenopausal breast cancer patients

Extended estrogen suppression treatment found safe for postmenopausal breast cancer patients

Blackcurrant supplements show promise in preventing bone density loss in post-menopausal women

Blackcurrant supplements show promise in preventing bone density loss in post-menopausal women

New study offers hope for extending ovarian healthspan and function

New study offers hope for extending ovarian healthspan and function

How do animal and plant-based milks affect gut health?

How do animal and plant-based milks affect gut health?

Daily prunes may help reduce bone loss in young women using oral contraceptives

Daily prunes may help reduce bone loss in young women using oral contraceptives

Study links PTSD to higher risk of early menopause in Gulf War female veterans

Study links PTSD to higher risk of early menopause in Gulf War female veterans

Insulin resistance linked to 31 diseases and higher early death risk in women

Insulin resistance linked to 31 diseases and higher early death risk in women

Fermented foods' health impacts analyzed in groundbreaking European study

Fermented foods' health impacts analyzed in groundbreaking European study

New global analysis highlights micronutrient shortages

New global analysis highlights micronutrient shortages

Gut microbiota linked to fracture risk: Study reveals key microbial associations

Gut microbiota linked to fracture risk: Study reveals key microbial associations

McGill discovery offers hope for targeted stem cell treatments

McGill discovery offers hope for targeted stem cell treatments

Poor physical function, not bone density, drives higher fracture risk in older women with type 2 diabetes

Poor physical function, not bone density, drives higher fracture risk in older women with type 2 diabetes

KAUST researchers uncover LINE-1 RNA’s role in triggering bone repair

KAUST researchers uncover LINE-1 RNA’s role in triggering bone repair

CT scans can predict type 2 diabetes risk

CT scans can predict type 2 diabetes risk

Menopause myths: Separating fact from fiction

Menopause myths: Separating fact from fiction

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.