causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses like bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine. Bone is living tissue, which is constantly being absorbed and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the removal of old bone. Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. But white and Asian women — especially those who are past menopause — are at highest risk. Medications, healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones. Symptoms There typically are no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include: Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra • Loss of height over time • A stooped posture • A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected When to see a doctor You may want to talk to your doctor about osteoporosis if you went through early menopause, took corticosteroids for several months at a time or have a family history of hip fractures. Causes Your bones are in a constant state of renewal — new bone is made and old bone is broken down. When you're young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone and your bone mass increases. Most people reach their peak bone mass by their early 20s. As people age, bone mass is lost faster than it's created. Risk factors How likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends partly on how much bone mass you attained in your youth. The higher your peak bone mass, the more bone you have “in the bank” and the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis as you age. A number of factors can increase the likelihood that you'll develop osteoporosis — including your age, race, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions and treatments. Unchangeable risks Some risk factors for osteoporosis are out of your control, including: Your sex Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than are men. Age The older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. Race You're at greatest risk of osteoporosis if you're white or of Asian descent. Family history Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk, especially if you also have a family history of hip fractures. Frame size Men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from as they age. Complications Bone fractures, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complication of osteoporosis. Hip fractures often result from a fall and can result in disability and even death from postoperative complications, especially in older adults. In some cases, spinal fractures can occur even if you haven't fallen. The bones that make up your spine (vertebrae) can weaken to the point that they may crumble, which can result in back pain, lost height and a hunched forward posture.
