“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. It is often referred to as a "silent disease" because there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses too much bone mass or doesn't make enough bone mass to replace what is lost. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Some of the risk factors for osteoporosis include being female, being postmenopausal, having a family history of the disease, and having a small frame or low body weight.
Diagnosis of osteoporosis is typically done through a bone density test, which measures the amount of bone mineral in the bones. Treatment for osteoporosis may include medications to slow bone loss and/or increase bone density, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and lifestyle changes such as regular weight-bearing exercise and quitting smoking.
Prevention of osteoporosis involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and getting regular bone density testing for those at risk.