Osteoporosis: Signs and Prevention
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes very weak bones that break easily. Women are more likely to get it than men, and especially if they are:
• Over 50.
• Smoke.
• Have a low body weight.
• Have family members who had osteoporosis or broken bones.
• Do not get enough exercise.
• Consume more that three alcoholic drinks a day.
• Take certain medicines for a long time for seizures or steroids. People who think they are at risk should ask their doctor to be tested. The tests are painless and will measure a bone density using X-rays or sound waves. X-ray tests, called DXA scans, can examine a spine, hip or wrist, and use very few X-ray waves. Newer wave tests called ultrasounds can test people’s heels.
While there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are things people can do to slow it down.
• Prescription medications. A doctor can prescribe a medication in form of a pill, a patch or a shot to slow down the bone loss. Some people may experience side effects including irritated throat or a jaw bone problems.
• Dietarysupplements.Vitamins,powders,energybarsandherbs are some of the supplements people can discuss with their doctor prior to incorporating them into their diet. Some of them can affect prescription medications or make a person sick.
• Lifestyle changes. Staying physically active, walking, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol use, and getting enough calcium and vitamin D may lower the risk for osteoporosis.
—FDA Office of Women’s Health
