Osteoporosis is a disease of bone leading to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture is disrupted, and the amount and variety of non-collagenous proteins in bone is altered. Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in women as a bone mineral density 2.5 standard deviations below peak bone mass (20-year-old sex-matched healthy person average) as measured by DXA; the term "established osteoporosis" includes the presence of a fragility fracture.

How common is osteoporosis?

Women lose bone material more rapidly than men especially after the menopause when the level of oestrogen falls. Oestrogen is a female hormone and helps to protect against bone loss. By the age of 70 some women have lost 30% of their bone material. In the UK, about half of women and about 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will fracture a bone, many as a result of osteoporosis.

Types of Osteoporosis

The most common cause of osteoporosis is age. The older you get, the more bone loss you are likely to have, especially if you don't take in enough calcium.

Osteoporosis also can be caused by diseases or other factors, such as:

* hormone problems

* poor diet

* certain medications

* too much smoking or drinking

Causes

The strength of your bones depends on their size and density; bone density depends in part on the amount of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals bones contain. When your bones contain fewer minerals than normal, they're less strong and eventually lose their internal supporting structure.

Symptoms

There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:

* Fractures of the vertebrae, wrists, or hips (usually the first indication)

* Low back pain

* Neck pain

* Bone pain or tenderness

* Loss of height over time

* Stooped posture

Osteoporosis Treatment

Although osteoporosis has no cure, several types of medications are available to reduce the rate of bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce the number of fractures. In general, they work in two main ways: they lessen bone break down (anti-resorptive agents) or they stimulate the formation of new bone (anabolic agents).

Self-Care at Home

If you suspect that you have signs or symptoms of osteoporosis or have risk factors for osteoporosis, see your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

Preventing osteoporosis

Both men and women can take steps from a young age to prevent osteoporosis by ensuring they:

* Have a healthy and varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains

* Eat calcium rich foods

* Absorb enough Vitamin D

* Avoid smoking

* Limit alcohol consumption

* Limit caffeine

* Do regular weight bearing and strength training activities.