- Osteoporosis is a condition of fragile bone with an increased susceptibility to fracture.
- It weakens bone and increases risk of bones breaking.
- Bone mass decreases after 35 years of age, and bone loss occurs more rapidly in women after menopause.
Causes
- Female gender
- Thin and small body frame
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Cigarette smoking and Excessive alcohol consumption
- Lack of exercise
- Diet low in calcium and Poor nutrition
- Malabsorption
- Low estrogen levels in women and Amenorrhoea
- Low testosterone levels in men (hypogonadism)
- Chemotherapy
- Immobility
- Hyperthyroidism
- Vitamin D deficiency
Symptoms
- 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