One out of every two women and one in five men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. By age 75, one third of all men will be affected by osteoporosis. While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person's disease, it can strike at any age. Osteoporosis may remain undiagnosed until the bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a fracture. Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others.
Many patients are at risk because of more than one factor.
Some medical abnormalities such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and problems that block intestinal absorption of calcium Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants A diet low in calcium Lack of exercise Cigarette smoking Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine Detection Specialized x-rays called bone density tests can measure bone mass in various sites of the body. Rheumatologists are active in educating the public and other physicians about this serious health problem.