Osteoporosis: Definition, Causes, and Risk Factors

Study Notes

Osteoporosis is a chronic and progressive bone disorder characterized by decreased bone density and strength, leading to an increased risk of fractures.
It is often referred to as a "silent disease" because it can progress without symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Aging: Bone density peaks in early adulthood and declines with age.
Hormonal changes: Decreased estrogen levels in women during menopause and decreased testosterone levels in men contribute to bone loss.
Genetics: Family history, race, and ethnicity can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Lifestyle factors: Sedentary lifestyle, low calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Medical conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Primary osteoporosis: Caused by aging and hormonal changes.
Secondary osteoporosis: Caused by underlying medical conditions or medications.

Bone density test: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the most common diagnostic test.
Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI may be used to detect fractures or bone damage.

Medications: Bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy, and osteoporosis medications to slow bone loss and increase bone density.
Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and fall prevention strategies.
Fall prevention: Home safety modifications, balance exercises, and assistive devices to reduce the risk of falls.

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation: Especially in older adults and those with a high risk of osteoporosis.
Regular exercise: Weight-bearing and resistance exercises to improve bone density and strength.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Osteoporosis is a chronic and progressive bone disorder characterized by decreased bone density and strength, leading to an increased risk of fractures, often referred to as a "silent disease" since it can progress without symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Aging leads to a decline in bone density after it peaks in early adulthood.
Decreased estrogen levels in women during menopause and decreased testosterone levels in men contribute to bone loss.
Family history, race, and ethnicity can increase the risk of osteoporosis due to genetic factors.
Sedentary lifestyle, low calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are lifestyle factors that contribute to osteoporosis.
Certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Primary osteoporosis is caused by aging and hormonal changes.
Secondary osteoporosis is caused by underlying medical conditions or medications.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the most common diagnostic test for bone density.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI may be used to detect fractures or bone damage.

Bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy, and osteoporosis medications are used to slow bone loss and increase bone density.
Regular exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and fall prevention strategies are recommended.
Fall prevention involves home safety modifications, balance exercises, and assistive devices to reduce the risk of falls.

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation are especially important for older adults and those with a high risk of osteoporosis.
Regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises improve bone density and strength.
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are key to a healthy lifestyle that prevents osteoporosis.