How does my risk of osteoporosis increase as I age?
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Dr. Audrey Chun of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:Healthy bones are in a state of continuous breakdown and rebuilding. This process is called remodeling and is performed by specialized cells called osteoclasts, which resorb (break down) old bone, and osteoblasts, which form new bone. In young adults, remodeling happens in a balanced fashion that maintains bone density over time. But as we age, and particularly when women reach menopause and estrogen levels plummet, the process is no longer balanced -- more bone is broken down, and bone building is unable to keep up. The result is reduced bone mineral density (BMD), an increased risk of osteoporosis, and brittle bones that are prone to fracture.Healthy bones are in a state of continuous breakdown and rebuilding. This process is called remodeling and is performed by specialized cells called osteoclasts, which resorb (break down) old bone, and osteoblasts, which form new bone. In... More -
Dr. David Slovik answered:Time alone increases the risk for osteoporosis. The researchers in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures noted that, on average, bone mass fell by approximately 5% every five years after age 65. The risk for a fracture also increases with age. For example, among white women under age 35 there are just two hip fractures per 100,000, but that number soars to 3,000 hip fractures per 100,000 at age 85 or older.Time alone increases the risk for osteoporosis. The researchers in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures noted that, on average, bone mass fell by approximately 5% every five years after age 65. The risk for a fracture also increases with age.... More
