Osteoporosis is defined as a bone disease that is characterised by decreasing bone mineral density and bone mass, making bones weaker, leading to a decrease in bone strength, which in turn may increase the risk of fractures. Often, there are no visible symptoms till a fracture occurs, spurred by a minor fall or simply by bending. Paying attention to early signs of osteoporosis and taking a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) scan, can be critical in preventing mishaps and correcting the deterioration when there’s still time.
Osteoporosis thus leads to a higher risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist. While this condition can affect men or women at any age, older women, especially those past menopause, are at a higher risk due to hormonal changes that accelerate bone loss. However, with the right combination of diet, medication, and physical activity, it is possible to slow down or even prevent further bone loss.
