SS
1
Serious severity
· Endocrinology
Osteoporosis
Brittle bones · Silent until a fracture
Bones lose density and fracture easily — sometimes from a simple sneeze. Annual DEXA after menopause picks it up early.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 1 in 3 women, 1 in 5 men over 50
- Typical age
- Post-menopausal women, men 65+
- Outlook
- Manageable
- System
- Hormones
Reviewed by a practising endocrinology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Post-menopausal estrogen drop
- Long-term steroid use
- Vitamin D and calcium deficiency
- Thin frame, family history
- Smoking, heavy alcohol
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Usually silent
- Loss of height over years
- Stooped posture
- Sudden back pain from vertebral fracture
- Hip or wrist fracture from minor fall
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Calcium 1000–1200 mg + Vitamin D 800 IU/day
- Weight-bearing exercise
- Bisphosphonates or denosumab
- Hormone therapy in select women
- Fall-proof the home
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Strength-train from your 30s
- Sunlight 15 min/day
- Stop smoking, limit alcohol
- DEXA scan after menopause or age 65
Do’s
- Take calcium with food
- Practice tai-chi or yoga for balance
- Remove loose rugs and clutter
- Use anti-slip mats in bathroom
Don’ts
- Take calcium with thyroid meds (4 hr gap)
- Crash-diet in midlife
- Ignore back pain — get an X-ray
- Stop bisphosphonates without a drug holiday plan
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all endocrinology doctors Top 4 doctors for Osteoporosis
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
BZ
2
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.