The stronger the bones are when people are young, the less likely they are to fracture easily later in life. Other treatments, such as calcitonin therapy, may help if estrogen replacement is not advisable for health reasons. In some persons, osteoporosis cannot be prevented, but steps can be taken to slow bone loss as much as possible. Once osteoporosis has proceeded to a very advanced stage, involving fractures, it is difficult to treat. Many of the more promising treatments are still experimental.
Advanced osteoporosis interferes with a person's ability to lead a normal life.
A simple fall, a wrong movement or even minor stress on the bones can make the difference between an independent or a dependent lifestyle. As the population ages, the relative percentage and absolute number of elderly will increase, leading to an increase in all diseases associated with aging, including osteoporosis.