Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis means your bones have become significantly thinner and more porous than they should be, weakening them to the point where a fracture can happen from surprisingly little force — a minor trip, a strong hug, or bending to pick something up. The word comes from Greek roots meaning "porous bone," which is exactly what happens: bones develop tiny holes and lose the dense structure that makes them strong.

It's often called a silent disease because you can't feel bone loss as it's happening. Many people don't know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. The hip, spine, and wrist are the most commonly affected sites, and spinal fractures in particular can cause a gradual loss of height or a forward curve in the upper back.

The condition is diagnosed with a DEXA scan and measured by a T-score below -2.5. Risk increases with age, and women face a higher lifetime risk than men, largely because of the drop in estrogen that occurs with menopause. But osteoporosis is not inevitable — understanding your risk early and taking steps to protect bone density can make a significant difference.

Osteoporosis is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in women's health, yet its consequences can be life-altering. Hip fractures in older adults are associated with prolonged disability, loss of independence, and — in some cases — serious complications. Spinal fractures can cause chronic pain and change posture permanently.

The encouraging news is that treatment options have expanded considerably. Medications, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, resistance exercise, and fall-prevention strategies all play a role. Early diagnosis through bone density screening is the foundation — knowing your bone density puts you in a position to act, and acting early gives you the best chance of preserving your strength and independence as you age.