Maison Bramel and Hailey Miller

Lincoln University 

June 27, 2022

        Osteoporosis can be defined as a condition when a persons bones become less dense. In return, this makes the bones fragile and weak which most commonly leads to fractures and other complications. Osteoporosis is a common condition many people have heard of. Because our bones are “ever-changing proteins” they are not as strong as we think they are. Osteoporosis is normally diagnosed using DEXA, or Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, BMD (bone mineral density tests) are the most accurate way of diagnosing a patient with this condition. In most cases this condition is asymptomatic until a person suffers a fracture. 

     There are many ways to help prevent osteoporosis. Some examples are taking Calcium and Vitamin D supplements, physical exercise, and certain medications. Medications used to treat Osteoporosis include Raloxifene, Teriparatide, Abaloparatide, Estrogen, and more. Some complications can occur after a person fractures a bone. These complications include, but are not limited to, trouble breathing, pneumonia, blood clots, and possible post surgery infections. 

     Though osteoporosis is commonly seen in older women, there are other risk factors that can lead to it as well. Some of these risk factors include getting older, being small and thin, having a family history of osteoporosis, certain medications, and white or Aisian women. More risk factors that are not commonly thought of include alcohol use, tobacco use, and even depression. Some diseases leave us at a higher risk for osteoporosis such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. 

     Osteoporosis may not seem like a major threat at first, but it is important for patients to understand how common it is and how to take care of themselves if diagnosed with it.