Osteoporosis: How to Maintain Bone Strength

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition in which bones become brittle and fragile due to a decrease in their density. The disease develops slowly and often goes unnoticed until the first fracture occurs.

Why bones lose their strength, who is at risk, and how to prevent fractures — explains Dr. Ekaterina Leonchik, General Practitioner and Rheumatologist at Kandinsky Clinic.

What Causes Osteoporosis?

Bone tissue is constantly renewing itself — old bone is broken down and new bone is formed. Up until around age 30, this process is balanced or favors bone formation. However, as we age, this balance shifts — bone breakdown begins to outpace formation. As a result, bones lose minerals, particularly calcium, and become less dense.

Who Is at Risk?

Osteoporosis is more common in women, especially after menopause. However, men can also be affected, particularly after the age of 70. Risk factors include:

• Advanced age
• Low body weight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Long-term use of corticosteroids and certain other medications
• Family history of osteoporosis

Bone health can also be affected by hormonal imbalances and chronic conditions of the thyroid, gastrointestinal tract, or kidneys.

Symptoms

Osteoporosis may remain asymptomatic for a long time. Often, the first sign is a fracture resulting from a minor injury. Other possible signs include:

• Loss of height
• Stooped posture or kyphosis (curvature of the spine)
• Back pain due to vertebral compression fractures

Diagnosis

Osteoporosis is diagnosed using bone densitometry, a painless procedure that measures bone mineral density and helps detect the condition at an early stage.

Your doctor may also assess blood levels of calcium, vitamin D, and relevant hormones, as well as your overall health status.

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to slow or stop bone loss, reduce the risk of fractures, and improve quality of life. Treatment plans depend on the severity of bone loss and may include:

• Dietary changes to increase calcium and vitamin D intake
• Physical activity (especially strength training and balance exercises)
• Medications that slow bone breakdown (e.g., bisphosphonates)
• Management of underlying health conditions

It's also important to eliminate risk factors such as smoking and alcohol misuse and to use fall-prevention aids when necessary.

Prevention

Osteoporosis prevention should begin early in life and include:

• A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Regular physical activity
• Monitoring of hormonal health (especially in women)
• Avoidance of harmful habits such as smoking and excessive drinking

Osteoporosis can significantly impact your quality of life. However, with early diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention, its progression can be slowed and the risk of fractures reduced. Take care of your bones today to stay active and mobile in the future.