Overview

Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones become weak and brittle, and even a fall, bending over, or coughing can cause a bone fracture. The most common sites for these breaks are the hips, wrists, and spine. Understanding what osteoporosis is, why it develops, and how it can be managed is the first step toward protecting your bone health as you age.

Osteoporosis occurs when new bone creation can't keep up with the loss of old bone. While it can strike people of all races, white and Asian women, particularly older women, are more at risk. A healthy diet, certain medications, and weight-bearing exercises can slow bone loss and strengthen weak bones.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis rarely causes obvious symptoms in its early stages. Unlike many other conditions, it typically doesn't cause pain, fever, or discomfort to alert you to a problem. The most common indication that something is wrong is often a bone fracture following a small fall or a minor accident that wouldn't otherwise cause injury.

That said, a few warning signs can point toward weakening bones:

Losing an inch or more of your height over time
Development of a stooped or bent posture
Persistent pain in the lower back
A silent fracture in the spine that goes unnoticed
Fractures of the hip, wrist, or shoulder from a trivial fall

A family member is often more likely to notice a change in your height or posture than you are. If this happens, it's important to see a doctor and have a bone density test.

What are the causes of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis develops as you age, and your bones gradually lose their ability to maintain their mass and strength. After the age of 35, bone breakdown outpaces your body's ability to replenish it, resulting in a steady decline in bone mass over the years. With osteoporosis, this bone loss accelerates well beyond the normal, age-related decline, and it tends to speed up even further in postmenopausal women due to falling oestrogen levels.

Risk factors for osteoporosis

You are more prone to developing osteoporosis if you are over 50 years of age, female (especially post-menopause), have a family history of the condition, or are naturally thin or have a smaller body frame. Lifestyle factors equally play an important role — smoking or using tobacco products, not exercising at all, and regularly consuming alcohol can each accelerate bone loss over time.

Certain health conditions like thyroid disease, diabetes, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders affecting the bones can increase the risk for osteoporosis. Blood disorders or blood cancers like multiple myeloma are also linked to higher osteoporosis risk. Certain medications or surgeries may increase this risk too, including diuretics, corticosteroids, seizure medications, bariatric surgery, blood thinners, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Since osteoporosis often produces no early symptoms, diagnosis usually relies on a bone density test rather than a physical exam alone. This test, sometimes called a DEXA or DXA scan, uses low levels of X-rays to measure how much calcium and other minerals are present in your bones. The scan is quick, painless, and doesn't involve any needles or injections.

T score on DEXA scan	Bone health classification	What it means?
−1.0 or higher	Normal bone density	Bone density is within the expected range.
Between −1.0 and −2.5	Osteopenia	Bone density is lower than normal but does not meet the criteria for osteoporosis.
−2.5 or lower	Osteoporosis	Bone density is significantly reduced and associated with an increased risk of fractures.

These T-score categories generally apply to postmenopausal women and men aged 50 years and older. Doctors also consider factors such as previous fractures, age, medical conditions, medications, and overall fracture risk when interpreting DXA results and deciding on treatment. Bone density testing is recommended for people at increased risk of osteoporosis. Routine screening is generally recommended for older women, while younger postmenopausal women and men may need testing based on their risk factors, medical history and clinical assessment.

What are the management strategies for osteoporosis?

The primary goal in managing osteoporosis is preventing fractures. Your doctor will guide you towards ways to strengthen your existing bone tissue and slow down further bone density loss. Treatment usually combines lifestyle changes with medical supervision rather than relying on a single approach.

Exercise plays a central function in maintaining bone health. Staying active helps strengthen your bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Weight-bearing exercises can also improve strength and balance, as can activities that work against gravity. Helpful routines include walking, and yoga ideally guided by a physical therapist who can tailor movements to your needs.

Vitamin and mineral supplements are often recommended to support bone density. Your doctor might advise you on calcium or vitamin D supplements. They will typically specify the right dosage and frequency based on your individual needs and existing bone health.

Medications may also be prescribed, notably for those with a high risk of fractures. These can include bisphosphonates, parathyroid hormone analogues, and other bone-strengthening medicines. In more advanced cases, your doctor may recommend hormone therapies or injectable treatments to help slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk.

When should you consult a doctor?

If you have persistent or worsening bone or joint pain, frequent fractures, or a fracture after a minor fall or injury, it is worth speaking to a medical professional. This is especially important if you have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as older age, a family history of osteoporosis/ hip fractures, low body weight, or long-term use of medicines such as corticosteroids.

A medical expert can assess your risk, recommend appropriate tests such as a bone mineral density scan, and advise on treatment or lifestyle measures to help protect your bone health.

Why choose Narayana Health?

At Narayana Health, we are committed to helping patients understand and manage osteoporosis through evidence-based evaluation, treatment, and long-term guidance for bone health.

NABH-accredited hospitals across India
Access to experienced orthopaedic specialists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, physiotherapists, and other appropriate healthcare professionals
Complete examination to assess bone health, fracture risk, medical history, daily habits, and associated health conditions '
Access to appropriate diagnostic tests, including bone mineral density assessment, when recommended
Personalised treatment and lifestyle guidance to support bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures

Whether you are looking to understand what osteoporosis is, identify your risk factors, or explore treatment and lifestyle measures to support stronger bones, Narayana Health is set to support you at every step. For expert evaluation, personalised treatment, and comprehensive osteoporosis care, connect with our experienced orthopaedic specialists.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is a common but often overlooked condition that can greatly affect mobility and quality of life if left untreated. As it develops silently, understanding your personal risk factors, staying alert to subtle warning signs, and getting timely bone density screening constitute essential steps in protecting your long-term bone health. With the right combination of exercise, nutrition, and medical care, it is possible to slow bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.

FAQs

1. What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak, thin, and prone to fracture because bone loss outpaces the body's ability to form new bone.

2. What are the early signs of osteoporosis?

Since osteoporosis is often symptomless, early signs can include losing height, developing a stooped posture, or experiencing a fracture after a minor fall.

3. At what age does osteoporosis usually begin?

Bone density naturally begins to decline after the mid-30s, but osteoporosis risk rises significantly after age 50, especially in postmenopausal women.

4. Can osteoporosis be reversed?

While existing bone loss can't always be fully reversed, treatments such as exercise, supplements, and medication can strengthen bones and slow further loss.

5. How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Osteoporosis is diagnosed using a bone density test, commonly known as a DEXA or DXA scan, which measures mineral content in the bones.