Health topic
Osteoporosis and bone density — screening, prevention, and keeping your bones strong.
52 articles · physician-reviewed · 29 news reports
Start here
Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because bones can weaken for years without any pain or obvious warning. The good news is that it is preventable, diagnosable, and treatable — and knowing the facts puts you in control.
Popular
Bone Health Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease that primarily affects post-menopausal women. It is estimated that more than one in two women over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture.
Bone Health Technologists often diagnose osteoporosis by measuring a patient's bone mineral density (BMD). Bone mineral density measures the amount of calcium in regions of the bones.
Bone Health Maintaining bone health at all stages of one's lifetime is important. The body gains more bone up until about age 30, at which time it begins to lose bone. The onset of menopause at around age 50 can lead to greater bone loss, as can certain cancer treatments.
Feeling overwhelmed? That’s normal.
Maintaining bone health at all stages of one's lifetime is important. The body gains more bone up until about age 30, at which time it begins to lose bone. The onset of menopause at around age 50 can lead to greater bone loss, as can certain cancer treatments.
It is a common misconception that bone is a hard, lifeless structure. Actually, bone is a complex, living tissue whose growth is affected by diet and exercise. The body is constantly building new bone tissue while breaking down or resorbing old bone.
It is estimated that one in three women over age 50 have osteoporosis. Knowing the risk factors and symptoms of osteoporosis can help women take measures to increase bone density before the effects become devastating.
Childlessness: Women who never have children are at higher risk for osteoporosis. During each pregnancy, women experience temporary surges of estrogen that helps protect them from osteoporosis. Low calcium intake (as an adult or child):Calcium is essential for healthy bones.
Technologists often diagnose osteoporosis by measuring a patient's bone mineral density (BMD). Bone mineral density measures the amount of calcium in regions of the bones.
Patients Recommended for Bone Mineral Density Measurements Post-menopausal women with at least one additional risk factor (other than menopause). All women older than 65 regardless of risk factors. Post-menopausal women who present with fractures.
Many women do not realize they have osteoporosis until they suddenly break a bone from a minor injury. Telltale signs of osteoporosis include curvature of the spine, severe back pain, or loss of height.
Osteoporosis affects roughly 25 million American women. Though osteoporosis most often affects post-menopausal women, women (and men) of all ages should take preventive measures to help maintain strong, healthy bones. This section offers five tips for preventing osteoporosis in women.
It is estimated that one in three older adults falls each year. Because injuries from falls are the leading cause of death and disabilities among women and men aged 65 or older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a report that addresses the problem and offers suggesti
Miacalcin (calcitonin) Miacalcin (generic name, calcitonin) is used to treat post-menopausal osteoporosis in women who have low bone mass but cannot take estrogen (hormone replacement therapy). The drug is usually recommended to women who been post-menopausal for at least five years.
If you have been diagnosed with a spinal fracture caused by cancer or osteoporosis, KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty is a treatment option you may want to consider. KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is designed to repair spinal fractures.
