What is osteoporosis?

It is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. It is often referred to as a “silent” disease because it usually develops without any symptoms or pain

Causes of osteoporosis

There are several causes, including:

• Aging.
• Hormonal changes.
• Sex – women are more likely to get it than men.
• Deficiency in calcium and vitamin D.
• Having a small, thin body frame.
• Having a sedentary lifestyle.
• Smoking.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Certain medications, such as corticosteroids.
• Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.

If you are at risk for this condition, there are things you can do to help prevent it and treatments available to alleviate the symptoms.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

There are several associated symptoms, including:

• Aching bones
• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Loss of height
• Hunched posture
• Fractures

Treatments for osteoporosis

There are some treatments available depending on the severity of the condition.