Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. It occurs when too much bone mass is lost and changes occur in the structure of bone tissue. Certain risk factors may lead to the development of osteoporosis or can increase the likelihood that you will develop the disease. These risk factors include:
- Aging
- Being female
- Menopause
- Low calcium and vitamin D intake
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and inflammatory bowel disease
Osteoporosis is a "silent" disease because you typically do not have symptoms, and you may not even know you have the disease until you break a bone. Fractures can occur in any bone but happen most often in bones of the hip, vertebrae in the spine, and wrist. There are no symptoms in the early stages of osteoporosis. Many times, people will have a fracture before learning they have the disease.