Osteoporosis is a bone disease that leads to 8.9 million fractures globally each year, affecting both women and men. This means that an osteoporosis-related fracture occurs every 3 seconds. Osteoporosis weakens the bones, making them brittle and more susceptible to fractures. In severe cases, bones can become so fragile that even a minor fall can cause a fracture.

Awareness of osteoporosis is relatively low, largely because it is often referred to as a "silent disease." Patients typically cannot see or, in most cases, feel the loss of bone mass until a fracture occurs, which is often the first noticeable symptom of the condition.

Is There a Difference Between Women and Men in Terms of Osteoporosis Development? Both women and men are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Global statistics show that one in every three postmenopausal women and one in every five men over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture. Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis-related fractures, and after the first fracture, their risk of experiencing additional fractures increases fivefold in the following year.

How Does Osteoporosis Develop? From birth to adulthood, our bones develop and grow, reaching their peak bone mass between the ages of 20 and 29. This is the period when bones are at their strongest and densest. Throughout life, bones are continuously renewed, with new bone replacing old bone to maintain the skeleton's strength. In individuals with osteoporosis, bone loss exceeds the formation of new bone, making the bones fragile and increasing the risk of fractures. It's important to note that osteoporosis and fractures are not a normal part of the aging process, and bone health should be actively monitored with a plan discussed with the treating physician.

Are There Other Risk Factors for Bone Density Loss and Osteoporosis, Apart from Aging? Several risk factors can impact bone density and contribute to osteoporosis. These include fractures in adulthood, a family history of hip fractures, low body mass, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the presence of chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, certain digestive disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease), thyroid or parathyroid disorders, chronic kidney disease, lung diseases, HIV infection, early menopause in women, and testosterone deficiency in men. Certain medications, including glucocorticoids, cancer treatments, immunosuppressants, and specific neurological drugs, can also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Additional risk factors include vitamin D deficiency, insufficient calcium intake, a sedentary lifestyle, and prolonged immobilization.

How Is the Risk of Osteoporosis Assessed? Understanding the patient's medical history and recognizing risk factors are crucial for assessing the likelihood of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures. The FRAX calculator is a simple and effective tool for estimating fracture risk. After evaluating fracture risk, measuring bone mineral density is the next step, providing a more accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis and fracture risk.

How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed, What Does Bone Density Measurement Involve, and How Accessible Is It in Our Country? Bone mineral density measurement is a safe, quick, and entirely painless method used to assess whether a patient has osteoporosis or is at risk of developing it. Several tests can measure bone density, but the most widely used and recommended method by medical societies is Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scanning, also known as DXA densitometry. This is considered the "gold standard" for osteoporosis diagnosis and is part of routine health screenings.

The DXA scan measures bone mineral density in regions of the skeleton most commonly affected by osteoporosis-related fractures, such as the upper femur, lumbar spine, and distal radius. Bone mineral density is the primary determinant of bone strength.

If a patient has osteoporosis risk factors or concerns about their bone health, they can visit our clinic for this examination. Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and preventing future fractures.

Can Osteoporosis Be Prevented? Several treatments are available for osteoporosis today. Effective pharmacological treatments are accessible, but it is equally important to implement non-pharmacological measures to maintain bone health, prevent osteoporosis, and support treatment. These measures include a healthy diet, regular physical activity, avoiding factors that negatively impact bone health, and being aware of osteoporosis risk factors.