Merck Manuals Details What Patients Need to Know About Osteoporosis

Physician shares details on how to prepare for the 'silent threat'

RAHWAY, N.J., Aug. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As we get older, our bone density and bone strength diminish. In some people, that decrease can lead to osteoporosis -- a condition in which a decrease in the density of bones weakens the bones, making breaks (fractures) more likely. In a new editorial from MerckManuals.com, Marcy B. Bolster, MD, Harvard Medical School, shares five things patients should know about osteoporosis as they get older.

1. Osteoporosis is far more common in females

During menopause, a woman's estrogen levels decrease, which contributes to a drop in bone density, Bolster explains. That makes the risk of osteoporosis greater for postmenopausal females. In fact, almost 50% of females aged 50 and over compared with almost 25% of males aged 50 and over will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.

2. There is a genetic component to osteoporosis

In addition to sex and age, there is likely a genetic component to the condition. One of the most significant osteoporosis risk factors, Bolster says, is having a parent who has experienced a hip fracture.

Other factors that increase a person's chances of getting osteoporosis include a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, a sedentary lifestyle, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, taking certain medications such as corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) and breast cancer medications (e.g., aromatase inhibitors), and having rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Osteoporosis often has no symptoms

Osteoporosis is often referred to as a "silent threat." Bolster suggests that's because a person can't feel their bone density diminishing. Often, the first "symptom" of osteoporosis is when a person has what's known as a fragility fracture. Bolster describes that fragility fractures are fractures that result from a fall from a standing height or less and include a fall out of bed; these falls normally would not cause a fracture in a healthy bone.

4. There is a test to screen for osteoporosis

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation recommends screenings for all females aged 65 and older and all men aged 70 and older. People with specific risk factors (e.g., a family history of osteoporosis, excessive alcohol consumption) or anyone who has broken a bone over age 50 are also recommended to start screenings earlier.

5. There are ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis

It's not realistic to prevent bone loss from occurring, but there are steps people can take at every age to reduce their risk of osteoporosis. Peak bone mass occurs by age 30. Bolster recommends that anyone under 30 should make sure they're getting enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet and lead an active lifestyle to ensure their bones are as healthy as possible.

You can read more about osteoporosis in Dr. Bolster's editorial on MerckManuals.com.

About The Merck Manuals and MSD Manuals

First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, The Merck Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the world's most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. As The Manual evolved, it continually expanded the reach and depth of its offerings to reflect the mission of providing the best medical information to a wide cross-section of users, including medical professionals and students, veterinarians and veterinary students, and consumers. In 2015, The Manuals kicked off Global Medical Knowledge 2020, a global initiative with the goal to make the best current medical information accessible by up to three billion professionals and patients around the world by 2020. The Manuals achieved that goal, and today its medical information is available in more than 241 countries and in 13 languages. It's continuing its ambitious mission through outreach, education and creating new reliable medical resources. For access to thousands of medical topics with images, videos and a constantly expanding set of resources, visit MerckManuals.com or MSDManuals.com and connect with us on social media: For Consumers in the U.S. and its territories: Twitter and Facebook. For Professionals in the U.S. and its territories: Twitter and Facebook

About Merck

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE The Merck Manuals