Osteoporosis

When to see your doctor about osteoporosis depends on how high your risk of having a fracture might be. Bone density is just one of several factors that influence your risk. Endocrinologists (physicians specializing in the treatment of metabolic... Full Answer

Osteoporosis (literally, "porous bone") is a disorder in which bones lose density, gradually becoming weaker and brittle -- often resulting in broken bones. These fractures are more likely in the hip, wrist, and spine, and can be caused by even... Full Answer

Complications with osteoporosis are usually associated with fractures that result from having weak bones. Sometimes a small fall will break a hip or wrist and sometimes vertebrae will compress and fracture without even a fall. However a bone fractures,... Full Answer

While it is very rare, children do sometimes have osteoporosis. Idiopathic osteoporosis is a type of osteoporosis that affects individuals with no known causes or risk factors. Healthy children who have well-balanced diets, consume the right supplements,... Full Answer

Osteoporosis is not usually life-threatening. It is important to exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and take your medications. If you have a fracture from osteoporosis it will certainly affect your lifestyle while the bones heal. About half of the people... Full Answer

In the United States about 10 million people have osteoporosis. About 4/5 of those people are women. Some researchers think that 20% of women older than 50 years old have osteoporosis. Of the10 million people who have arthritis, about 95% of the women... Full Answer

Idiopathic osteoporosis is a type of osteoporosis that occurs with no known cause. It is very uncommon. It is seen in children and adults under 50 years old who are healthy, have regular amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and hormones, and have no reason to... Full Answer

Secondary osteoporosis is osteoporosis caused by other disorders or drugs. Some disorders that can lead to osteoporosis include kidney failure, Cushing's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and eating disorders. Some drugs that can lead to osteoporosis... Full Answer

The vast majority of people with osteoporosis have primary osteoporosis. It is usually a late-onset osteoporosis caused by a lack of estrogen, calcium, and vitamin D. It is characterized by a lack of bone density and weak bones. Women with primary... Full Answer

Symptoms for osteoporosis rarely present themselves until a bone is fractured or broken. Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a bone density test. You may want to ask your doctor about a bone density test if you have several of the risk factors for... Full Answer