Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a progressive metabolic bone disease that causes a decrease in bone density and gives rise to weak, fragile bones that are prone to fracture. Most commonly, these fractures occur in the spine, wrist and hips when a person falls or bumps into something. If such an event triggers a visit to the doctor, a test of the bone mineral density called a DEXA scan may be performed and reveal osteoporosis.

The term osteoporosis refers to the porous (spongy) state of bone that eventually manifests as the bone’s ability to replenish itself declines over time. When individuals reach the age of around 40, the rate of bone breakdown starts to exceed the rate at which it is replaced, creating increasingly larger holes in the bone that make it less dense and more prone to fracture.

Some of the risk factors for osteoporosis such as gender, age and family history for the condition cannot be changed. However, factors such as diet and activity level can be improved to increase bone strength and individuals are advised to exercise regularly, eat a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium, and quit any smoking or drinking habits.

Osteoporosis is currently thought to be affecting more than 200 million people worldwide but is most common among older, post-menopausal women who have reduced levels of estrogen, an important contributor to bone health.
Bone Disease

Bone disease is a condition that damages the skeleton and makes bones weak and prone to fractures. Weak bones are not a natural part of aging. While strong bones begin in childhood, people of all ages can improve their bone health.

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Latest Osteoporosis News and Research

Strong heart, strong bones: How cardiovascular health influences bone density

Strong heart, strong bones: How cardiovascular health influences bone density

Study explores connection between greenspace and better health

Study explores connection between greenspace and better health

Single dose of novel drug shows tumor-clearing potential in breast cancer models

Single dose of novel drug shows tumor-clearing potential in breast cancer models

Scientists discover critical factor in bone remodeling process

Scientists discover critical factor in bone remodeling process

Hormonal shifts in menopause redefine women’s microbiome and risks

Hormonal shifts in menopause redefine women’s microbiome and risks

Study finds no increased glioma risk with hormone therapy use

Study finds no increased glioma risk with hormone therapy use

Hebrew SeniorLife launches trial to explore probiotics and prebiotics for bone health

Hebrew SeniorLife launches trial to explore probiotics and prebiotics for bone health

New guidelines for correct use of biochemical indices of bone statuss published

New guidelines for correct use of biochemical indices of bone statuss published

Biglycan and decorin play crucial roles in bone health

Biglycan and decorin play crucial roles in bone health

Fracture Liaison Services crucial for addressing global osteoporosis challenges

Fracture Liaison Services crucial for addressing global osteoporosis challenges

Rethinking the role of microbiome in age-related bone loss

Rethinking the role of microbiome in age-related bone loss

Genetic shifts in reproductive traits link to aging and health risks

Genetic shifts in reproductive traits link to aging and health risks

Blood count stability reveals new pathways to personalized care

Blood count stability reveals new pathways to personalized care

A centenarian thrives living alone, active and engaged

A centenarian thrives living alone, active and engaged

New guidelines developed for the diagnosis and management of premature ovarian insufficiency

New guidelines developed for the diagnosis and management of premature ovarian insufficiency

AI tool detects heart disease in CT scans originally meant for other purposes

AI tool detects heart disease in CT scans originally meant for other purposes

Study reveals varied risks of hormone treatments for menopausal symptoms

Study reveals varied risks of hormone treatments for menopausal symptoms

New injection treatment could be a game-changer for people with asthma and COPD

New injection treatment could be a game-changer for people with asthma and COPD

Understanding the pathophysiological relationship between OSA and metabolic syndrome

Understanding the pathophysiological relationship between OSA and metabolic syndrome

Study finds bone density loss associated with levothyroxine

Study finds bone density loss associated with levothyroxine

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