Osteoporosis is a very common disorder which currently affects an estimated 2.5 million Canadians. It will become even more prevalent in the next century as the population continues to age. Men also develop the disease although less frequently. They should nonetheless receive appropriate evaluation and screening. During our lifetime, the skeleton continuously moves through a bone remodeling cycle in which old bone is broken down and new bone formed.
Osteoporosis occurs when the imbalance in favor of bone loss becomes exaggerated.
If the bone mass built up during adolescence has been insufficient, osteoporosis may also occur in the absence of abnormal bone loss later in life. Women are more prone to osteoporosis because of the rapid bone loss after menopause. Lack of estrogen, family history of osteoporotic fractures, small build, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol use are important factors for the development of osteoporosis. Exposure to certain medications can also increase bone loss. Bone loss causes no symptoms until a fracture occurs.