Osteoporosis: How to Prevent, Test, and Treat Bone Loss
Osteoporosis makes bones thinner and more likely to break. You usually won’t feel anything until a bone breaks or your posture changes. That’s why knowing the basics — what raises your risk and what you can do today — matters more than waiting for a problem.
Testing and diagnosis
A bone density test (DEXA) is the standard check. Doctors often recommend it for women at age 65 and men at 70, or earlier if you have risk factors like long-term steroid use, low body weight, a parent with hip fracture, or early menopause. The scan is quick, painless, and shows your bone density score so your doctor can plan treatment.
If you break a bone from a minor fall, tell your doctor and get tested. A simple X-ray won’t catch early bone loss, so ask specifically for a DEXA if you’re worried.
Simple steps to protect your bones
Want practical actions you can start right away? Here are things that make a real difference:
- Move your body: Do weight-bearing exercise like brisk walking, dancing, or stair climbing. Add strength training twice a week to keep muscle and bone strong.
- Get enough calcium: Aim for about 1,000–1,200 mg a day from food first—milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens. Talk to your doctor before using supplements.
- Make sure vitamin D is adequate: Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium. Many adults aim for 800–2,000 IU daily, but check your blood level with your doctor.
- Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking weaken bone and raise fracture risk.
- Prevent falls: Remove loose rugs at home, use non-slip mats in showers, keep stairs well lit, and have good footwear.
Medications can help if your bone density is low or you’ve had fractures. Common options include bisphosphonates (like alendronate), injectable drugs that slow bone loss, and newer medicines that build bone. Each has benefits and possible side effects. Your doctor will match a drug to your health history and fracture risk.
Follow-up matters. After starting treatment, your doctor may repeat a DEXA every 1–2 years to see if your bone density is improving or stable. If you’re on long-term steroids or have other health conditions, checkups should be more frequent.
Dealing with osteoporosis is about small, steady choices: a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and keeping your home safe. If you’ve had a fracture, are over recommended screening ages, or use medicines that affect bone health, schedule a conversation with your doctor. A short test and a few lifestyle changes today can lower the chance of a broken bone later.
As a blogger, I've recently come across the topic of Hyperprolactinaemia and its potential link to Osteoporosis. Hyperprolactinaemia is a condition where there's an excessive production of prolactin, a hormone that affects fertility and bone health. Osteoporosis, on the other hand, is a bone disease that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Through my research, I've learned that high levels of prolactin can disrupt normal bone remodeling, putting those with Hyperprolactinaemia at an increased risk of developing Osteoporosis. It's crucial to be aware of this connection and seek early medical intervention to manage both conditions effectively.
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