Osteoporosis might sound complex, but at its core, it’s about bones becoming weaker and more fragile over time. As we age or face certain health conditions, our bones can lose density and strength, making them more prone to breaks—even from something as small as a minor fall or bump.

Why Does It Matter?

When bones are less dense, they’re more likely to fracture. These breaks occur most commonly in the Hip, spine, and wrist. Fractures from osteoporosis can have serious consequences—leading to long-term pain, reduced mobility, or even loss of independence.

The “Silent Disease”

One of the trickiest things about osteoporosis? It often has no symptoms until a fracture occurs. That’s why it’s known as the silent disease—you might not know your bones are at risk until something breaks.

While osteoporosis can affect anyone it mainly affects women over 50, especially after menopause when hormone changes impact bone density. In 2022, about 26% of women aged 75 and older had osteoporosis, compared to just 3% of men aged 50 and over. Risk increases with age, minimal trauma fractures, a family history of fractures or osteoporosis, early menopause, and use of certain medications — especially corticosteroids, which can weaken bones over time.

Preventing and Managing Osteoporosis

The good news? You can take proactive steps to protect your bones and keep them strong. There are simple yet effective ways to safeguard your bone health. Eating a calcium-rich diet—with foods like dairy, leafy greens, nuts, and fortified cereals—gives your bones the essential nutrients they need. Vitamin D is equally important, and you can get it through safe sun exposure, supplements, or vitamin-rich foods like eggs and fatty fish. Staying active plays a major role too; weight-bearing exercises such as walking, dancing, or resistance training help maintain bone strength and density over time. These steps work together to help you stay mobile and protect against osteoporosis as you age.

Screening for Osteoporosis

If you're at risk for osteoporosis, getting tested early is key to protecting your health. One of the most accurate tools available is a DEXA scan (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry). It’s a quick, painless procedure - usually taking just 10 to 15 minutes - that uses low-dose X-rays to measure your bone density. DEXA can detect early bone loss long before symptoms appear, helping your healthcare provider assess fracture risk, implement treatment and monitor changes over time.

Treatment

Should osteoporosis be diagnosed, your doctor may recommend medications that help rebuild and maintain bone strength, significantly lowering your chance of fractures.

Find out more with our DEXA Bone Mineral Density Consult.