Osteoperosis "Is Largely Preventable," According To Bone Health Experts. Here's How To Avoid It

"“Osteoporosis is a disorder of bone quality and strength that increases the susceptibility for fractures,” explained Dr. Rozalina McCoy, an endocrinologist and associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. McCoy explained that osteoporosis is diagnosed through a DEXA scan, which is an X-ray that measures bone density. “A DEXA scan can tell us what someone's fracture risk is, which is the main concern. Low bone density is the biggest indicator, but there's an additional component of bone quality, too,” McCoy said."

"“As we age, we become less efficient at rebuilding bone, tend to be less physically active and absorb nutrients like calcium less effectively from food,” said Dr. Yesika Garcia, an endocrinologist with the Medical Offices of Manhattan and a contributor to LabFinder. Garcia explained the reason women 50 and older are at an increased risk for osteoporosis is because of the drop in estrogen after menopause. This matters because estrogen helps regulate the balance between bone formation and breakdown, which is important for maintaining bone density. But after menopause, the protective effect from estrogen is lost."

"“Before we talk about diet, there's another way to reduce your risk of osteoporosis.” When it comes to reducing your risk of osteoporosis, Dr. Deborah E. Sellmeyer, an internationally recognized expert in metabolic bone disease and a clinical professor at Stanford Medicine, told HuffPost that good nutrition and weight-bearing activity are what's most important."

Osteoporosis is a disorder of bone quality and strength that increases susceptibility to fractures. Early stages typically cause no symptoms, and diagnosis often occurs after a bone breaks or fractures. Osteoporosis is diagnosed using a DEXA scan, an X-ray that measures bone density and helps estimate fracture risk. Low bone density is a major indicator, along with additional aspects of bone quality. Risk increases with age due to less efficient bone rebuilding, reduced physical activity, and reduced calcium absorption from food. Women aged 50 and older face higher risk because estrogen levels drop after menopause, removing estrogen’s protective effect on the balance between bone formation and breakdown. Reducing risk depends on good nutrition and weight-bearing activity, with diet components supporting bone density.

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