Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton. People with osteoporosis have a reduction in the mass and quality of their bone structure. These changes make such individuals highly prone to broken bones including disabling vertebral and hip fractures. While everyone s bone density starts to decrease after about age 30, people who develop osteoporosis likely start off with reduced bone quality or have more rapid bone degeneration than normal. At least 20 million people in the U.S. have osteoporosis.
Women are more likely to develop it than men.
But because it occurs so often in people over 65, doctors frequently begin to test for it and start preventive measures in people who are middle-aged. Prevention of osteoporosis through maintenance of existing bone mass is much more effective than treatment. Certain drugs may be prescribed for treatment of osteoporosis. If you are at risk for osteoporosis, or if you already have it, your physician will advise you on the best types of treatment for you. Chapter 21, Osteoporosis.