Is osteoporosis just a part of aging?

Harris H. McIlwain, MD

Rheumatology

No. Although years ago osteoporosis was considered as much a part of aging as wrinkles or gray hair, researchers in recent years have determined that osteoporosis is a specific disease that is preventable.

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Stop Osteoarthritis Now: Halting the Baby Boomers' Disease

What exactly is this debilitating disease? It is an inflammation in or around the joints caused by wear and tear on the cartilage and bone, resulting in pain, swelling, or stiffness in the back,...

Continue Learning about Osteoporosis Causes & Risks

Harris H. McIlwain, MD

Osteoporosis usually does not occur at random. There are several genetic and environmental risk ...

Anaisys M. Ballesteros, DO

Your osteoporosis risk can be assessed with a simple and painless bone density test that measures th...

Harris H. McIlwain, MD

Excessive alcohol intake can increase your risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The exact amount ...

The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Osteoporosis

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Osteoporosis Causes & Risks

The causes of osteoporosis -- a progressive bone disease that slowly gets worse over time, causing the bones to become weak and brittle -- include genetic factors, environmental factors and lifestyle factors such as using tobacco and lack of weight-bearing exercise. Although menopause accelerates bone mass loss and the disease is most commonly associated with women, men can also develop osteoporosis. However, white and Asian women are more likely to develop it. Other risk factors include being underweight, drinking large amounts of alcohol and not consuming enough calcium.

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