Overview
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone mineral density decreases, making bones thin and brittle and more prone to fractures — especially in the hip, wrist, and spine. Research shows that bone loss begins around age 30–40 in both men and women. Bone density is usually measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for diagnosis. Early detection helps manage risk factors through medication, a healthy diet, and exercises that prevent osteoporosis.
Risk factors
- Gender: Women are at higher risk due to declining estrogen after menopause.
- Age: Older adults are at higher risk.
- Ethnicity: Asian people are at high risk.
- Family history of osteoporosis in first-degree relatives, especially if a parent has had a hip fracture.
- Body frame: People with a small frame are at higher risk due to lower bone mass.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Long-term corticosteroid use.
- Chronic conditions such as kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- A diet lacking vitamin D and calcium.
- Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke.
- Frequent alcohol use.
Osteoporosis screening
DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is the modern standard method for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk. DEXA uses advanced X-ray technology to measure bone mineral density at the hip and spine; it can also analyze body composition (muscle and fat ratio) by region quickly, comprehensively, and accurately. Advantages: simple, fast (only a few minutes), and painless. How it is done: the person lies on their back on an X-ray table, and the machine scans the whole body to measure bone density and body composition.