People with osteoporosis typically have no symptoms in the early stages of the condition, and for many sufferers, a fracture is the first sign of the disease. Fractures may occur from even a slight trauma to the bones, which become thinner and weaker as the disease progresses. With every fracture that occurs, the likelihood that another will be experienced is increased.
Fractures most commonly affect the spine, pelvis, hips, ribs, and arms, and may have a significant impact on mobility and independence.
Symptoms due to fractures may include:
About 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the skeleton. The remaining 1% is present in the blood and other body fluids, where it is critical to the maintenance of a wide range of body functions.
To ensure there is sufficient calcium available to maintain vital body functions, calcium moves out of the bones and into the blood as required.
Osteoporosis occurs when the bones lose calcium more quickly than it can be replaced, and over time this leads to a decline in the density and mass of the bones, makes them more susceptible to fracture.
Most of our bone mass is laid down during childhood before puberty, and we reach our peak bone mass at about 30 years of age. After that point, the bones become thinner and weaker. In women, this process accelerates after menopause, due to declining oestrogen levels.
To prevent osteoporosis, it is essential that you get adequate calcium and vitamin D over the course of your life, including in childhood.
Some health conditions increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. These include diseases affecting the thyroid and parathyroid glands, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease (and other chronic bowel conditions), chronic liver and kidney disease, and eating disorders . Some medicines also increase the risk of osteoporosis; corticosteroids (commonly used to treat asthma and rheumatoid arthritis) are one example, but there are also many others. Talk to your doctor about the specific medicines you take.
Other risk factors for osteoporosis include:
If you have osteoporosis or are at high risk of developing it, your doctor may recommend you undergo bone density testing (DXA), and in addition to lifestyle changes like those discussed above, may prescribe medication to delay bone loss and reduce the risk of fracture.