osteoporosis is a condition that is characterized by bones that are less dense than and thus not as strong as normal bone. osteoporosis increases the risk of breaking bone (fracture) with even minor trauma such as a fall from standing height or even from a cough or sneeze. unfortunately people often do not realize they have osteoporosis until either they have a fracture or have a screening test ordered by their doctor to check for osteoporosis. osteoporosis and low bone mass affect an estimated 44 million americans. of those 10 million have osteoporosis and the remaining 34 million have a lower than normal bone mass and are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. other risk factors include older age family history of osteoporosis small and thin stature inactive lifestyle smoking alcohol and use of certain medications including steroids.
what is osteoporosis?