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.