Osteoporosis (bone loss)

Overview

Common breaks are hip, spine, and wrist.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Usually no symptoms
• Getting shorter or a hunched back
• Bone loss, or a broken bone from a minor fall

Less common

• Loss of height
• Broken bone

When to get medical care

Causes

Aging, menopause, genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women
• Older age
• Steroids

Possible complications

• Hip fracture

Diagnosis

A bone density scan.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• DEXA:

Treatment

Build bone.

Self-care

• Weight-bearing exercise
• Get calcium and vitamin D
• Don't smoke
• Limit alcohol

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an endocrinologist (hormone doctor) or a rheumatologist.
• A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Get enough calcium and vitamin D.
• Do weight-bearing exercise, like walking, if your doctor says it's OK.
• Make your home safe from falls.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation: Support groups and bone health tips.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Set up a pill organizer and a simple daily routine.
• Make the home safe from falls.
• Go to visits with them and write down what the doctor says.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatment lowers breaks.

Myths and facts

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Osteoporosis (bone loss)