---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/ask-expert-osteoporosis'
title: 'Ask the Expert: Osteoporosis'
author:
  name: 'lauren kopchik'
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/97'
date: '2018-10-18T18:22:05+00:00'
updated: '2022-04-28T13:57:09+00:00'
type: resource
summary: 'Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes thinning of the bones. Osteoporotic bones are fragile and have an increased risk for fracture with bumps or falls. Osteoporotic fractures most commonly occur in the hip, spine, and wrist. Older adults are at higher risk of osteoporosis than younger people.'
published: true
---
##  [Ask the Expert: Osteoporosis](/tools-and-tips/ask-expert-osteoporosis)

**Carmel Bitondo Dyer, MD, FACP, AGSF**
Professor of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine
McGovern Medical School
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

 **Q: What is osteoporosis?**

**A:**  Osteoporosis is a disease that causes thinning of the bones. Osteoporosis causes bones to become more fragile and increases the risk of fracture after a bump or fall. Fractures due to osteoporosis occur most commonly in the hip, spine, and wrist.

**Q: How common is osteoporosis?**

**A:**  It is estimated that ten million Americans have osteoporosis. It can affect both men and women, but 80% of cases are diagnosed in women. People from all ethnic backgrounds can be at risk for osteoporosis.

**Q: Am I at risk for osteoporosis?**

**A:** Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

- Advanced age
- Having a small body frame
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Excessive use of alcohol
- Cigarette smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Taking some types of medication, especially steroids (such as prednisone) and certain anti-seizure medications (such as phenytoin or Dilantin)
- Gland diseases of thyroid, or parathyroid, and/or adrenal diseases
- Eating disorders
- Low calcium and vitamin D levels
- In women:
    - Being post-menopausal
    - Beginning menopause early
    - Having had ovary-removing surgery before menopause
- In men:
    - Having low levels of the male hormone testosterone
    - Having prostate cancer treatments that lower testosterone levels

**Q: How can I tell if I have osteoporosis?**

**A:** Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" because bone thinning occurs without symptoms. Many people do not find out that they have osteoporosis until after they break a bone. Finding osteoporosis early may help prevent bone fractures. Simple x-rays can only detect very advanced osteoporosis. The best test to diagnose osteoporosis is a DXA scan. A DXA scan is a special type of x-ray of the lumbar spine and proximal femur that measures the density of bones.

**Q: Who should have a DXA scan done?**

**A:** A DXA scan should be considered for:

- Women 65 years of age or older
- Women younger than 65 who have risk factors for osteoporosis
- Anyone with previous fracture suspicious for “brittle bones”
- Anyone with a condition or taking a medication associated with osteoporosis

**Q: Where can a get a DXA scan?**

**A:**  You should ask your doctor if you need a DXA scan. Some physicians can do a DXA scan in their offices. Otherwise, you may be given a prescription to go to a radiologist or a women's health center.

**Q. How can I reduce my risk of osteoporosis?**

**A.**  There are some healthy lifestyle measures that can help prevent osteoporosis. These include:

- Participate in weight-bearing exercise like walking, jogging, or weightlifting.
- Get enough minerals and vitamins through diet and supplements. (Most people at risk for osteoporosis need approximately 1,200 mg of calcium and 400-800 international units of vitamin D daily. Talk to your healthcare provider about how much calcium and vitamin D is right for you.)
- If you smoke cigarettes, quit.
- Avoid excessive alcohol use.

**Q: What medications are there for osteoporosis?**

**A:**  Osteoporosis can be treated. In addition to eating a good diet, exercising, and not smoking, your healthcare provider may suggest taking medication to maintain or increase your bone strength. Several types of medications exist, including:

- Bisphosphonates. Examples include aledronate (Fosamax®), risedronate (Actonel®), ibandronate (Boniva®) and zolendronic acid (Reclast®).
- Calcitonin (Miacalcin® or Fortical®)
- Raloxifene (Evista®)
- Teriparatide (Forteo®)
- Desonumab (Prolia®)

**Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need a medication and which one is right for you.**

Last Updated July 2019