Who Gets Osteoporosis & it's Symptoms
Osteoporosis affects women and men of all races and ethnic groups.
Osteoporosis can occur at any age, although the risk of developing the disease increases as you get older. For many women, the disease begins to develop a year or two before menopause.
Other factors to consider include:
Osteoporosis is most common in non-Hispanic white women and Asian women.
Among men, osteoporosis is more common in non-Hispanic whites
Certain medications, such as some cancer medications and glucocorticoid steroids, may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Because more women get osteoporosis than men, many men think they are not at risk for the disease. However, both older men and women from all backgrounds are at risk for osteoporosis.
Some children and teens develop a rare form of idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis. Doctors do not know the cause; however, most children recover without treatment.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is called a ‘silent disease’ because there are typically no symptoms until a bone is broken or one or more vertebrae collapse (fracture).
Symptoms of vertebral fracture include severe back pain, loss of height, or spine malformations such as a stooped or hunched posture (kyphosis).
Bones affected by osteoporosis may become so fragile that fractures occur spontaneously or as the result of:
- Minor falls, such as a fall from standing height that would not normally cause a break in a healthy bone.
- Normal stresses such as bending, lifting, or even coughing.
Risk of More Fractures
Know the factors associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.