Diseases
osteoporosis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones to the point where they break easily — most often, bones in the hip, backbone (spine), and wrist. Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease” because you may not notice any changes until a bone breaks. All the while, though, your bones had been losing strength for many years.
Symptoms
- back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
- loss of height over time
- a stooped posture
- a bone that breaks much more easily than expected
Causes
- how likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends partly on how much bone mass you attained in your youth. peak bone mass is partly inherited and varies also by ethnic group.
- low calcium intake
Risk factors
- gastrointestinal surgery.
- the older people get, the greater the risk of osteoporosis.
- women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
Diagnosis
- ultrasound
- bone density test
- ct scan
- lab test
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones to the point where they break easily — most often, bones in the hip, backbone (spine), and wrist. Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease” because you may not notice any changes until a bone breaks. All the while, though, your bones had been losing strength for many years.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, a bone that breaks much more easily than expected
What causes osteoporosis?
how likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends partly on how much bone mass you attained in your youth. peak bone mass is partly inherited and varies also by ethnic group.; low calcium intake
Which medicines are used for osteoporosis?
abaloparatide, alendronate, bazedoxifene-conjugated estrogens, calcitonin, calcium, cholecalciferol, denosumab, dhea, dihydrotachysterol, ergocalciferol, estradiol, ibandronate, nandrolone decanoate, strontium ranelate, teriparatide, tibolone, vitamin d, zoledronic acid
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