osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?   Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle, and can lead to fractures (breaks) in the bones. It is caused by a loss of bone density, which makes the bones less strong and more likely to break. The condition is most common in older adults, especially women, but can occur at any age. Risk factors for osteoporosis include being female, being thin or having a small frame, having a family history of the condition, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, not getting enough physical activity, and certain medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism and inflammatory bowel disease. What are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke? Symptoms of osteoporosis may not be obvious until a bone breaks, but can include back pain, loss of height, a stooped posture, and fractures in the bones. Osteoporosis can be diagnosed by a bone density test, which uses X-rays to measure the density of the bones. Treatment option…