What Is Osteoporosis? Causes, Signs & Treatment

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures or breaks, even with minor falls or injuries.

The name “osteoporosis” means “porous bone”, which refers to the holes or spaces that develop within the bone structure, weakening its strength. It occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Most health experts often call this condition a “silent disease” because bone loss happens without symptoms until a fracture occurs. While this condition may not directly show any symptoms, as the disease progresses, some osteoporosis symptoms may appear:

• Bone fractures

Bone fractures (especially of the hip, spine, or wrist) after minor falls or even simple actions like sneezing or bending over.

• Loss of Height

over time due to compression fractures in the spine.

• Stooped posture

or a “dowager’s hump” caused by spinal fractures.

• Back pain,

often from a fractured or collapsed vertebra

• Weakened grip strength

and general decrease in mobility or balance.

When you are over 50 and notice the above symptoms, it's better to get a bone density test (DEXA scan) to check the extent of the condition and start treatment accordingly.

Osteoporosis Causes

The causes of osteoporosis involves a disruption in the balance between bone formation and bone loss. Normally, your bone contantly builds new bone and breaks down old bone. So, as a teenager and in your 20s, a bone fracture tends to heal quickly. But as you age this process begins to slow down. Some of major osteoporosis causes includes:

• Age –

Bone mass naturally decreases with age, especially for women after age 50

• Women going through the postmenopausal phase

• Osteoporosis cases running in the family

• Thin or small-framed people, as their bone mass is naturally very less

• People belonging to a certain race (Asian descent or white people)

• Hormonal changes:

◦ Low estrogen in women, especially after menopause

◦ Low testosterone in men

◦ Imbalances in the thyroid hormones (overactive thyroid increases bone loss)

◦ Increased production of hormones in the parathyroid and adrenal glands can also cause the bones to break easily

• Certain medications:

◦ Corticosteroids (oral or injected) usage

◦ Medications to treat or control cancers, acid reflux and seizures

◦ Medications in case of organ transplant rejection

◦ Medications for weight loss

• Pre-existing ailments such as:

◦ Celiac disease

◦ Rheumatoid arthritis

◦ IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

◦ Chronic kidney disease

◦ Liver problems

◦ Cancer

◦ Blood disorders

◦ Autoimmune disorders

• Nutritional Deficiencies:

◦ Low calcium intake

◦ Vitamin D deficiency (needed for calcium absorption)

◦ Low protein intake

◦ Severe eating disorders (like anorexia)

◦ Limited absorption of nutrients due to surgery in the gastrointestinal tract

• Lifestyle factors:

◦ Sedentary lifestyle and lack of weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise weakens bones.

◦ Consuming more than 1 or 2 alcoholic beverages in a day

◦ Smoking

◦ Low body weight or being underweight

Treatment

A bone density test, also called DEXA or DXA scan, is the best way to diagnose osteoporosis. In this test, X-ray images are used to test the mineral content in your bones to help doctors decide on the future course of action. Based on the results of this report, your doctor may opt for one of the following osteoporosis treatment procedures:

• Proper exercises to improve the strength of your bones (walking, yoga, tai chi, gentle weight-bearing exercises, etc.)

• Adequate intake of Vitamin D and calcium

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol

• Medications, which include hormone therapies (to correct hormonal imbalances), injection shots (to improve bone density) and medicines (to build bones in severe cases of osteoporosis)

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is quite common in all people, especially women. Even if you don’t see any symptoms, it's always important to get your bone density tested at least once a year. These preventive checks help you reduce your risk of bone-degenerative ailments like osteoporosis.

Having a health insurance plan covers the costs associated with these preventive checks and osteoporosis treatments.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on June 24, 2025