Many more women get osteoporosis than men. Women who have low estrogen levels are especially at risk. Your bones will break easily after even a minor fall. Sometimes osteoporisis is found on x-rays. Tests can measure your bone mineral density.
Treatment can keep osteoporosis from getting worse and can sometimes increase bone strength.
It is best to prevent osteoporisis in the first place. It is harder to build bone than it is to keep from losing it. This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor. Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.