Do I Have Osteoporosis?

Are you a woman over 50 (Caucasian or Asian)?

Do you have back pain?

Do you have a stooped posture (kyphosis)?

Have you broken a bone recently?

Do you lose height over time?

Do you have a family history of osteoporosis or either of your parents had a hip fracture?

If you are a woman over 50, did you have an early menopause (before 45)?

Have you taken corticosteroid medications (prednisone, cortisone) as pills, injections or creams?

Do you have some restrictions in your diet such as low dairy or calcium intake?

Have you ever had stomach or intestinal surgery?

Do you have a sedentary lifestyle (you spend a lot of time sitting at work and at home with no time for exercising)?

Do you drink alcohol daily or are you smoker?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes bones to become weak, fragile and more likely to break. This condition is often called a “silent disease” because it develops slowly without any symptoms or pain, and it is usually diagnosed when a fall or a sudden strain causes a bone to break. As you age, the risk of osteoporosis increases. Good nutrition, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight is imperative for keeping your bones healthy throughout your life. Regular exercise can help you build strong bones and slow down potentially bone loss.

Bases on your answers there is a possibility that you have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis literally means porous bone. This is a condition with reduced bone density and quality of the bone. The bones become porous and fragile, and can be easily fractured, particularly if you fall. The most common osteoporosis-related fractures are bone fractures in the hip, wrist or spine. If any risk factors apply to you, please make an appointment with your doctor for early diagnosis and treatment. Based on your medical history and a bone mineral density test (BMD), your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment that can prevent possible fractures.