Emerging Infectious Diseases

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of bones. It happens when you lose too much bone, make too little bone or both. Risk factors for osteoporosis involve aging, being female, low body weight, low sex hormones or menopause, smoking, and some medications. Osteoporosis may be usually due to lower than normal peak bone mass and greater than normal bone loss. Generally bone loss increases after menopause because of  lower levels of estrogen. Bone fractures, particularly in the spine or hip, which are the most serious complication for osteoporosis. Hip fractures can  result from a fall and can result in disability and sometimes death from postoperative complications, especially in older people. Prevention and treatment include calcium and vitamin D, exercise, and osteoporosis medications.