Osteoporosis is a chronic skeletal disease that can progress without symptoms until a bone fracture occurs. Osteoporosis is characterized by the decline in bone mass and bone density, leaving a more porous weakened bone leading to an increased risk of fractures. 

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Risk factors:

• ≥ 50 years of age 

• Female and male gender.

• Low BMI. 

• Family history of past hip fracture.

• Alcohol consumption of 3 or more drinks per day.​

• Smoking.

• Decreased physical activity.

• Poor dietary intake.

• Certain medications (specifically steroid use)

• Certain diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, and Hypothyroidism.

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Symptoms:

• Often there are no symptoms until a bone fracture occurs. 

• A bone fracture that occurs from normal daily activities or from a fall at standing height or less.

• Height loss of 3/4" in one year, and or 2 1/2" since adulthood.

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