Osteoporosis

A bone consists of living tissue that constantly rebuilds itself by removing old bone and replacing it with new bone. As we age, the body begins to break down bone faster than it can rebuild it. This faster bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones thinner, weaker, and more likely to break. It’s the most common bone disease and often affects the hips, wrists, and spine. If you were assigned female at birth and are over 50, you have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and experiencing a fracture due to bone loss. The good news is that osteoporosis can be found and treated early, before your bones become too fragile.

Several types of doctors may treat osteoporosis, including primary care providers, endocrinologists (experts in hormone-related issues), rheumatologists (bone, joint, and autoimmune disease doctors), and orthopaedists (who handle bone fractures). At Penn Medicine, our specialists diagnose and treat osteoporosis with a focus on preserving bone density, lowering the risk of fractures, and improving overall bone health.

Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because you may not know you have it until a bone breaks. That’s why it’s important to get tested if you’re at risk. Other early warning signs of osteoporosis include:

• Getting shorter: Losing height (sometimes up to six inches) may mean your spine is shrinking.
• Stooped posture: A forward curve in your upper back (kyphosis or dowager’s hump) can make you look hunched over.
• Back pain: Tiny fractures in the bones of your spine (compression fractures) can build up over time and cause pain.
• Low bone density (osteopenia): This early stage of bone loss can lead to osteoporosis if not treated.
• Dental problems: Loose teeth or gum disease may be signs of bone loss in your jaw.

You can take steps now to protect your bones and lower your risk of future fractures. Eating a healthy diet with enough calcium and vitamin D helps your body build strong bones. It’s especially important to start in childhood or young adulthood, but it’s never too late to benefit. Exercise, like walking, dancing, or lifting weights, can also help maintain bone strength and improve balance, which lowers your risk of falling. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both can weaken your bones over time.

Falls are a major cause of serious fractures, especially hip fractures, which often lead to long-term disability. To reduce your risk, remove tripping hazards at home, keep walkways well-lit, and wear sturdy, low-heeled shoes. If you take medicines that make you drowsy, be extra careful when moving around. Your provider may also recommend bone-strengthening medications or supplements. Talk to them about your risk, especially during or after menopause, and what you can do to prevent osteoporosis.

At Penn Medicine, we take a team approach to bone health. Our specialists in radiology, rheumatology, endocrinology, and orthopaedics work together to provide comprehensive care. We’re also leading research to better understand and treat osteoporosis. Our scientists are studying how certain bone cells control the way bones grow and repair themselves, research that may lead to new treatments to slow bone loss and prevent fractures. We’re also exploring how diet and vitamin D affect bone strength, especially in postmenopausal women. By connecting groundbreaking research with expert patient care, we’re finding better ways to protect your bones and lower your risk of fracture.