Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist.

• Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for more than 28 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women. In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals already have the disease and 18 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.
• 80% of those affected by osteoporosis are women.
• 8 million American women and 2 million men have osteoporosis, and millions more have low bone density.
• One in two women and one in eight men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
• 10% of African-American women over age 50 have osteoporosis; an additional 30% have low bone density that puts them at risk of developing osteoporosis.
• Significant risk has been reported in people of all ethnic backgrounds.
• While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person's disease, it can strike at any age.
• Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually, including:
• 300,000 hip fractures; and approximately 700,000 vertebral fractures, 250,000 wrist fractures, and 300,000 fractures at other sites.

Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse.

Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis or stooped posture.

• Being female 
• Thin and/or small frame 
• Advanced age 
• A family history of osteoporosis 
• Post menopause, including early or surgically induced menopause 
• Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) 
• Anorexia nervosa or bulimia 
• A diet low in calcium 
• Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants 
• Low testosterone levels in men 
• An inactive lifestyle 
• Cigarette smoking 
• Excessive use of alcohol 
• Being Caucasian or Asian, although Native Americans (particularly those after menopause and lactose intolerant),  African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well

Women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the 5-7 years following menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis.

Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation:

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