Osteoporosis and Other Bone Conditions

As osteoporosis progresses, the bones become more and more brittle. Thinner bones lead to fractures and broken bones, and thin bones are harder to heal. In extreme cases, your bones can be so fragile that bumping into a piece of furniture can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis can also decrease your height and put stress on your back.

Menopause is one of the primary causes of osteoporosis in women. The female hormone estrogen protects women's bones. During menopause this hormone decreases sharply. Some women lose up to 20% of their bone mass during menopause.

But men with certain conditions are at risk too. Cystic fibrosis, asthma, low testosterone levels, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can all lead to osteoporosis in men. Alcohol abuse and tobacco usage lead to significant damage to your bones, for both men and women.

Talk to your doctor about a bone density test if you answer yes to any of the following questions:

• Are you over the age of 65?
• Do you have a history of bone fractures as an adult or do you have a close relative with a history of bone fractures?
• Do you have a family history of osteoporosis?
• Did you have an early menopause or removal of your ovaries?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you have a small-boned, thin body frame?
• Are you physically inactive?
• Are calcium-rich foods, like dairy or leafy green vegetables, limited in your diet? Have you been told you're vitamin D deficient?
• Do you consume alcohol on a regular basis?
• Are you on certain medicines, such as steroids or anticonvulsants?

Regular exercise and a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D strengthen your bones and prevent damage from osteoporosis. If you're over the age of 50, you should get 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 1,000 milligrams of vitamin D daily. Foods like eggs, cheese, low-fat milk, fish and leafy vegetables are good sources of both calcium and Vitamin D. Spending 20 to 25 minutes in the sun is also a beneficial way to get vitamin D.

The most common test for osteoporosis is the dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) test. This measures your bone density using X-ray imagery. Ask your doctor about an osteoporosis bone screening to detect osteoporosis early.