HEALTH TOPICS

Osteoporosis
IN-DEPTH
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Overview of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases,
or when the quality or structure of bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that
can increase the risk of fractures (broken bones).

Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease because you typically do not have symptoms, and you may not even
know you have the disease until you break a bone. Osteoporosis is the major cause of fractures in
postmenopausal women and in older men. Fractures can occur in any bone but happen most often in
bones of the hip, vertebrae in the spine, and wrist.

However, you can take steps to help prevent the disease and fractures by:

Staying physically active by participating in weight-bearing exercises such as walking.

Drinking alcohol in moderation.
Quitting smoking, or not starting if you don’t smoke.
Taking your medications, if prescribed, which can help prevent fractures in people who have
osteoporosis.
Eating a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to help maintain good bone health.

Who Gets Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis affects women and men of all races and ethnic groups. Osteoporosis can occur at any
age, although the risk for developing the disease increases as you get older. For many women, the
disease begins to develop a year or two before menopause. Other factors to consider include:

Osteoporosis is most common in non-Hispanic white women and Asian women.

African American and Hispanic women have a lower risk of developing osteoporosis, but they are
still at significant risk.
Among men, osteoporosis is more common in non-Hispanic whites.

Certain medications, such as some cancer medications and glucocorticoid steroids, may increase the
risk of developing osteoporosis.
Because more women get osteoporosis than men, many men think they are not at risk for the disease.
However, both older men and women from all backgrounds are at risk for osteoporosis.

Some children and teens develop a rare form of idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis. Doctors do not know
the cause; however, most children recover without treatment.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is called a “silent” disease” because there are typically no symptoms until a bone is
broken or one or more vertebrae collapse (fracture). Symptoms of vertebral fracture include severe
back pain, loss of height, or spine malformations such as a stooped or hunched posture (kyphosis).

Bones affected by osteoporosis may become so fragile that fractures occur spontaneously or as the
result of:

Minor falls, such as a fall from standing height that would not normally cause a break in a healthy
bone.
Normal stresses such as bending, lifting, or even coughing.

Causes of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis occurs when too much bone mass is lost and changes occur in the structure of bone
tissue. Certain risk factors may lead to the development of osteoporosis or can increase the likelihood
that you will develop the disease.

Many people with osteoporosis have several risk factors, but others who develop osteoporosis may
not have any specific risk factors. There are some risk factors that you cannot change, and others that
you may be able to change. However, by understanding these factors, you may be able to prevent the
disease and fractures.

Factors that may increase your risk for osteoporosis include:

Sex. Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are a woman. Women have lower
peak bone mass and smaller bones than men. However, men are still at risk, especially after the
age of 70.
Age. As you age, bone loss happens more quickly, and new bone growth is slower. Over time, your
bones can weaken and your risk for osteoporosis increases.
Body size. Slender, thin-boned women and men are at greater risk to develop osteoporosis
because they have less bone to lose compared to larger boned women and men.
Race. White and Asian women are at highest risk. African American and Mexican American women
have a lower risk. White men are at higher risk than African American and Mexican American men.
Family history. Researchers are finding that your risk for osteoporosis and fractures may increase
if one of your parents has a history of osteoporosis or hip fracture.

Changes to hormones. Low levels of certain hormones can increase your chances of developing
osteoporosis. For example:
Low estrogen levels in women after menopause.
Low levels of estrogen from the abnormal absence of menstrual periods in premenopausal
women due to hormone disorders or extreme levels of physical activity.
Low levels of testosterone in men. Men with conditions that cause low testosterone are at risk for
osteoporosis. However, the gradual decrease of testosterone with aging is probably not a major
reason for loss of bone.

Diet. Beginning in childhood and into old age, a diet low in calcium and vitamin D can increase your
risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Excessive dieting or poor protein intake may increase your risk
for bone loss and osteoporosis.

Other medical conditions. Some medical conditions that you may be able to treat or manage can
increase the risk of osteoporosis, such as other endocrine and hormonal diseases, gastrointestinal
diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer, HIV/AIDS, and anorexia nervosa.
Medications. Long-term use of certain medications may make you more likely to develop bone loss
and osteoporosis, such as:
Glucocorticoids and adrenocorticotropic hormone, which treat various conditions, such as
asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Antiepileptic medicines, which treat seizures and other neurological disorders.
Cancer medications, which use hormones to treat breast and prostate cancer.
Proton pump inhibitors, which lower stomach acid.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which treat depression and anxiety.
Thiazolidinediones, which treat type II diabetes.

Lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can be important for keeping bones strong. Factors that contribute to
bone loss include:
Low levels of physical activity and prolonged periods of inactivity can contribute to an increased
rate of bone loss. They also leave you in poor physical condition, which can increase your risk of
falling and breaking a bone.
Chronic heavy drinking of alcohol is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis.
Studies indicate that smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis and fracture. Researchers are still
studying if the impact of smoking on bone health is from tobacco use alone or if people who
 smoke have more risk factors for osteoporosis.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis
Doctors usually diagnose osteoporosis during routine screening for the disease. The U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force recommends screening for:

Women over age 65.

Women of any age who have factors that increase the chance of developing osteoporosis.

Due to a lack of available evidence, the Task Force did not make recommendations regarding
osteoporosis screening in men.

During your visit with your doctor, remember to report:

Any previous fractures.

Your lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, alcohol use, and smoking history.
Current or past medical conditions and medications that could contribute to low bone mass and
increased fracture risk.
Your family history of osteoporosis and other diseases.
For women, your menstrual history.

The doctor may also perform a physical exam that includes checking for:

Loss of height and weight.

Changes in posture.
Balance and gait (the way you walk).
Muscle strength, such as your ability to stand from sitting without using your arms).

In addition, your doctor may order a test that measures your bone mineral density (BMD) in a specific
area of your bone, usually your spine and hip. BMD testing can be used to:

Diagnose osteoporosis.
Detect low bone density before osteoporosis develops.
Help predict your risk of future fractures.
Monitor the effectiveness of ongoing treatment for osteoporosis.

The most common test for measuring bone mineral density is dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
It is a quick, painless, and noninvasive test. DXA uses low levels of x-rays as it passes a scanner over
your body while you lie on a cushioned table. The test measures the BMD of your skeleton and at
various sites that are prone to fracture, such as the hip and spine. Bone density measurement by DXA
at the hip and spine is generally considered the most reliable way to diagnose osteoporosis and
predict fracture risk.

Some people have a peripheral DXA, which measures bone density in the wrist and heel. This type of
DXA is portable and may make it easier for screening. However, the results may not help doctors
predict your risk for fractures in the future or monitor the effects of your medications on the disease.

Your doctor will compare your BMD test results to the average bone density of young, healthy people
and to the average bone density of other people of your age, sex, and race. If your test results show
that you have osteoporosis, or if your bone density is below a certain level and you have other risk
factors for fractures, your doctor may recommend both lifestyle approaches to promote bone health
and medications to lower your chance of breaking a bone.

Sometimes, your doctor may recommend a quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the heel. This is a test
that evaluates bone but does not measure BMD. If the QUS indicates that you have bone loss, you will
still need a DXA test to diagnose bone loss and osteoporosis.

Treatment of Osteoporosis
The goals for treating osteoporosis are to slow or stop bone loss and to prevent fractures. Your health
care provider may recommend:

Proper nutrition.
Lifestyle changes.
Exercise.
Fall prevention to help prevent fractures.
Medications.

People who develop osteoporosis from another condition should work with their health care provider to
identify and treat the underlying cause. For example, if you take a medication that causes bone loss,
your doctor may lower the dose of that medication or switch you to another medication. If you have a
disease that requires long-term glucocorticoid therapy, such as rheumatoid arthritis or chronic lung
disease, you can also take certain medications approved for the prevention or treatment of
osteoporosis associated with aging or menopause.

Nutrition
An important part of treating osteoporosis is eating a healthy, balanced diet, which includes:

Plenty of fruits and vegetables.

 An appropriate amount of calories for your age, height, and weight. Your health care provider or
doctor can help you determine the amount of calories you need each day to maintain a healthy
weight.
Foods and liquids that include calcium, vitamin D, and protein. These help minimize bone loss and
maintain overall health. However, it’s important to eat a diet rich in all nutrients to help protect and
maintain bone health.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D are important nutrients for preventing osteoporosis and helping bones reach
peak bone mass. If you do not take in enough calcium, the body takes it from the bones, which can
lead to bone loss. This can make bones weak and thin, leading to osteoporosis.

Good sources of calcium include:

Low-fat dairy products.

Dark green leafy vegetables, such as bok choy, collards, and turnip greens.
Broccoli.
Sardines and salmon with bones.
Calcium-fortified foods such as soymilk, tofu, orange juice, cereals, and breads.

Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium from the intestine. It is made in the skin after
exposure to sunlight. Some foods naturally contain enough vitamin D, including fatty fish, fish oils, egg
yolks, and liver. Other foods that are fortified with vitamin D are a major source of the mineral,
including milk and cereals.

The chart below shows how much calcium and vitamin D you need each day.

Recommended Calcium and Vitamin D Intakes

Life-stage group Calcium mg/day Vitamin D (IU/day)

Infants 0 to 6 months 200 400

Infants 6 to 12 months 260 400

1 to 3 years old 700 600

4 to 8 years old 1,000 600

9 to 13 years old 1,300 600

 Life-stage group Calcium mg/day Vitamin D (IU/day)

14 to 18 years old 1,300 600

19 to 30 years old 1,000 600

31 to 50 years old 1,000 600

51- to 70-year-old males 1,000 600

51- to 70-year-old females 1,200 600

>70 years old 1,200 800

14 to 18 years old, pregnant/lactating 1,300 600

19 to 50 years old, pregnant/lactating 1,000 600

Definitions: mg = milligrams; IU = International Units

Source: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, November 2018

If you have trouble getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet, you may need to take
supplements. Talk to your health care provider about the type and amount of calcium and vitamin D
supplements you should take. Your doctor may check your blood levels of vitamin D and recommend
a specific amount.

Lifestyle
In addition to a healthy diet, a healthy lifestyle is important for optimizing bone health. You should:

Avoid secondhand smoke, and if you smoke, quit.

Drink alcohol in moderation, no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks
a day for men.
Visit your doctor for regular checkups and ask about any factors that may affect your bone health or
increase your chance of falling, such as medications or other medical conditions.

Exercise
Exercise is an important part of an osteoporosis treatment program. Research shows that the best
physical activities for bone health include strength training or resistance training. Because bone is
living tissue, during childhood and adulthood, exercise can make bones stronger. However, for older
adults, exercise no longer increases bone mass. Instead, regular exercise can help older adults:

Build muscle mass and strength and improve coordination and balance. This can help lower your
chance of falling.
Improve daily function and delay loss of independence.

Although exercise is beneficial for people with osteoporosis, it should not put any sudden or excessive
strain on your bones. If you have osteoporosis, you should avoid high-impact exercise. To help
prevent injury and fractures, a physical therapist or rehabilitation medicine specialist can:

Recommend specific exercises to strengthen and support your back.

Teach you safe ways of moving and carrying out daily activities.
Recommend an exercise program that is tailored to your circumstances.

Exercise specialists, such as exercise physiologists, may also help you develop a safe and effective
exercise program.

Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications for osteoporosis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has approved the following medications for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis:

Your health care provider will discuss the best option for you, taking into consideration your age, sex,
general health, and the amount of bone you have lost. No matter which medications you take for
osteoporosis, it is still important that you get the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
Also, exercising and maintaining other aspects of a healthy lifestyle are important.

Medications can cause side effects. If you have questions about your medications, talk to your doctor
or pharmacist.

Bisphosphonates. Several bisphosphonates are approved to help preserve bone density and
strength and to treat osteoporosis. This type of drug works by slowing down bone loss, which can
lower the chance of fractures.
Calcitonin. This medication is made from a hormone from the thyroid gland and is approved for the
treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who cannot take or tolerate other medications
for osteoporosis.
Estrogen agonist/antagonist. An estrogen agonist/antagonist, also known as a selective estrogen
receptor modulator (SERM), and tissue-selective estrogen complex (TSEC), are both approved to
treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. They are not estrogen, but they have
estrogen-like effects on some tissues and estrogen-blocking effects on other tissues. This action
helps improve bone density, lowering the risk for some fractures.
 Estrogen and hormone therapy. Estrogen and combined estrogen and progestin (hormone
therapy) are approved to prevent osteoporosis and fractures in postmenopausal women. Because
of potential side effects, researchers recommend that women use hormone therapy at the lowest
dose, and for the shortest time, and if other medications are not helping. It is important to carefully
consider the risks and benefits of estrogen and hormone therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) analog and parathyroid hormone related-protein (PTHrP) analog.
PTH is a form of human parathyroid hormone that increases bone mass and is approved for
postmenopausal women and men with osteoporosis who are at high risk for fracture. PTHrP is a
medication that is also a form of parathyroid hormone. It is an injection and is usually prescribed for
postmenopausal women who have a history of fractures.
RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor. This is an inhibitor that helps slow down bone loss and is
approved to treat osteoporosis in:
Postmenopausal women or men with osteoporosis who are at high risk for fracture.
Men who have bone loss and are being treated for prostate cancer with medications that cause
bone loss.
Women who have bone loss and are being treated for breast cancer with medications that cause
bone loss.
Men and women who do not respond to other types of osteoporosis treatment.

Sclerostin inhibitor. This is a medication that treats osteoporosis by blocking the effect of a
protein, and helps the body increase new bone formation as well as slows down bone loss.

Who Treats Osteoporosis?

Health care providers who treat osteoporosis include:

Endocrinologists, who treat problems related to the glands and hormones.

Geriatricians, who specialize in caring for all aspects of health in older people.
Gynecologists, who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the reproductive system of
women.
Nurse educators, who specialize in helping people understand their overall condition and set up
their treatment plans.
Occupational therapists, who teach ways to protect joints, minimize pain, perform activities of daily
living, and conserve energy.
Orthopaedists, who specialize in the treatment of and surgery for bone and joint diseases or
injuries.
Physiatrists (doctors specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation).
Physical therapists, who help to improve joint function.
Primary care providers, such as a family physician or internal medicine specialist.
 Rheumatologists, who specialize in arthritis and other diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles.

Living With Osteoporosis

In addition to the treatments your doctor recommends, the following tips can help you manage and live
with osteoporosis, prevent fractures, and prevent falls.

Preventing fractures is important when you have osteoporosis because fractures can cause other
medical problems and take away your independence. Exercise can help prevent fractures that occur
as a result of falling and improve bone strength, when your health care provider tailors a program to
your individual need. If you have osteoporosis or bone loss, it is important to talk to your doctor or
physical therapist before beginning any exercise program.

In addition, preventing falls helps prevent fractures. Falls increase your likelihood of fracturing a bone
in the hip, wrist, spine, or other part of the skeleton. Taking steps to prevent falls both inside and
outside of the house can help prevent fractures.

Some factors that may contribute to falls include:

Loss of muscle mass.

Illnesses that impair your mental or physical functioning, such as low blood pressure or dementia.
Use of four or more prescription medications.
Poor vision.
Poor balance.
Certain diseases that affect how you walk.
Alcohol use.
Side effects of some medications, such as:
Sedatives or tranquilizers.
Sleeping pills.
Antidepressants.
Anticonvulsants.
Muscle relaxants.
Heart medicines.
Blood pressure pills.
Diuretics.

If you have osteoporosis, it is important to be aware of any physical changes you may experience that
affect your balance or gait and to discuss these changes with your doctor or other health care
provider. It is also important to have regular checkups and tell your doctor if you have had problems
with falling.

Falls can also be caused by factors around you that create unsafe conditions. Here are some tips to
help prevent falls outdoors and when you are away from home:

Use a cane or walker for added stability.

Wear shoes that provide support and have thin nonslip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic
shoes with deep treads.
Walk on grass when sidewalks are slippery; in winter, put salt or kitty litter on icy sidewalks.
Stop at curbs and check their height before stepping up or down.

Some ways to help prevent falls indoors are:

Keep rooms free of clutter, especially on floors. Avoid running electrical cords across walking areas.
Use plastic or carpet runners on slippery floors.
Wear shoes, even when indoors, that provide support and have thin nonslip soles. Avoid wearing
slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.
If you have a pet, be mindful of where they are to avoid tripping over them.
Do not walk in socks, stockings, or slippers.
Be careful on highly polished floors that are slick and dangerous, especially when wet, and walk on
plastic or carpet runners when possible.
Be sure carpets and area rugs have skid-proof backing or are tacked to the floor. Use double-stick
tape to keep rugs from slipping.
Be sure stairs are well lit and have rails on both sides.
Install grab bars on bathroom walls near the tub, shower, and toilet.
Use a rubber bathmat or slip-proof seat in the shower or tub.
Improve lighting in your home. Use nightlights or keep a flashlight next to your bed in case you
need to get up at night. Install ceiling fixtures or lamps that can be turned on by a switch near the
room’s entrance.
Use a sturdy stepstool with a handrail and wide steps.
Add more lights in rooms.
Keep a cordless phone or cell phone with you so that you don’t have to rush to the phone when it
rings. In addition, if you fall, you can call for help.
Consider having a personal emergency-response system; you can use it to call for help if you fall.

Other tips that can help you manage your osteoporosis include:

Talking with other people who have osteoporosis.

Reaching out to family and friends for support.
Learning about the disorder and treatments to help you make decisions about your care.
Research Progress Related to Osteoporosis
The NIAMS leads the federal research effort on osteoporosis. Scientists at universities, medical
centers, and other research institutions across the United States who are funded by the NIAMS and
other National Institutes of Health (NIH) entities are pursuing a wide range of basic and clinical studies
on osteoporosis.

The Osteoporosis and Metabolic Disorders of Bone Program supports studies on:

Bone composition, structure, and function to help understand bone loss.

New treatments for osteoporosis.
The influence of genetics on the development of osteoporosis.
The impact of environmental risk factors.
Prevention of osteoporosis.

A 2018 NIH Pathways to Prevention Workshop: Appropriate Use of Drug Therapies for Osteoporotic
Fracture Prevention released a final report that identifies research priorities, such as:

Understanding the benefits and side effects of medications.

Learning more about the characteristics of people who have fractures from osteoporosis, including
men and different ethnicities.
Determining if people should take a break or holiday for a specific amount of time from certain
medications.

Some key areas of osteoporosis research supported by the NIAMS and its partners at the NIH are
described below.

Genetic Studies
Researchers continue to define genetic differences that underlie variation in bone formation,
maintenance, and turnover. Applying the findings of genome-wide association studies to identify new
molecular pathways related to bone health and disease may lead to new ways to prevent bone loss
and fractures.

Bone Cell Biology

Scientists are studying the cells that control bone remodeling to learn more about the underlying
causes of osteoporosis and to identify possible new therapeutic targets. Over the past several years,
researchers have made considerable progress in understanding connections between bone
physiology and the broader network of biologic processes involving many different organs and tissues.
Scientists are working to explain the connection between the skeleton and the nervous system; other
tissues such as fat, muscle, cartilage; the immune system; digestion and nutrition, including the role of
the microbiome; and energy metabolism.

Study of Osteoporotic Fractures

The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) was supported by the NIAMS and the National Institute on
Aging (NIA) and was a multicenter study of more than 10,000 postmenopausal women. It provides
comprehensive data about multiple risk factors for osteoporosis-related fractures. This study, which
began in 1986, has provided the foundation for developing ways to identify people at greatest risk for
osteoporosis and fractures decades in advance, and thus has greatly aided disease prevention efforts.

Osteoporosis in Men
The NIAMS, in partnership with the NIA and the National Cancer Institute, funded a multicenter study
focusing on osteoporosis in men. The Osteoporosis in Men study enrolled 6,000 men age 65 years
and older, and has identified significant risk factors for osteoporosis, falls, and fractures in men.

Evaluating and Assessing Bone Quality

Scientists are exploring structural and material factors that influence bone quality in hopes of gaining a
better understanding of how properties of bone other than its mass or density affect bone strength.

Treatment for Osteoporosis

Researchers are examining the molecular and cellular mechanisms of current osteoporosis drugs, in
the hope of advancing knowledge and treatment. In other studies, scientists are investigating novel
approaches for preventing fractures associated with osteoporosis and related conditions.

For More Info

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Toll free: 888-INFO-FDA (888-463-6332)
Website: https://www.fda.gov

Drugs@FDA at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf Drugs@FDA is a searchable catalog

of FDA-approved drug products.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics
Website: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs

National Institute on Aging

Website: https://www.nia.nih.gov

NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center

Website: https://www.bones.nih.gov
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Website: https://www.aaos.org

American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

Website: https://www.asbmr.org/Default.aspx

National Osteoporosis Foundation

Website: https://www.nof.org

United States Bone and Joint Initiative

Website: https://www.usbji.org

If you need more information about available resources in your language or other languages, please
visit our webpages below or contact the NIAMS Information Clearinghouse at
NIAMSInfo@mail.nih.gov.

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