Health Information
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Understanding This Symptom
Medical Definition
Subject Matter Expert Verified
Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by progressive loss of bone mineral density and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, making bones fragile and susceptible to fractures.
It occurs when the balance between bone formation (by osteoblasts) and bone resorption (by osteoclasts) tips toward net bone loss.
This results in T-scores of -2.
5 or lower on DEXA scans, affecting primarily the hip, spine, and wrist.
It affects over 200 million people worldwide, with post-menopausal women being at highest risk due to estrogen deficiency.
Quick Facts
What Optimal Health Looks Like
Understanding how your body functions when healthy helps identify dysfunction
Healthy bone is living tissue that undergoes constant remodeling through a precisely balanced cycle of formation and resorption.
Osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) synthesize new bone matrix and mineralize it, while osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells) break down old or damaged bone.
In healthy adults, this remodeling maintains skeletal integrity with about 10% of the skeleton being remodeled annually.
The RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling pathway regulates osteoclast activity, while Wnt signaling, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and growth factors like IGF-1 stimulate osteoblast function.
Healthy Function
Your body is designed to maintain balance and self-regulate
How This Develops
Estrogen deficiency - Post-menopausal women experience rapid bone loss (
Calcium and vitamin D deficiency - Inadequate calcium intake leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism, where PTH increases bone resorption to maintain serum calcium levels; vitamin D deficiency impairs calcium absorption in the gut
Impaired osteoblast function - Aging, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and certain medications reduce osteoblast differentiation and activity
Cortisol excess - Chronic stress or Cushing's syndrome elevates cortisol, which directly stimulates osteoclastogenesis and inhibits osteoblast function
Chronic inflammation - Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-
Sedentary lifestyle - Weight-bearing exercise is essential for mechanical loading that stimulates bone formation; immobility leads to disuse osteoporosis
Medications - Glucocorticoids, proton pump inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, and certain anticonvulsants impair bone formation or increase resorption
Understanding the mechanism helps us target the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
What Happens If Left Untreated
Understanding the consequences helps you make informed decisions about your health
Short-Term Consequences
Days to weeks
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Time Matters
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.