Myths and Facts About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can weaken bones for years before causing noticeable symptoms. Because the condition often develops silently, misconceptions about who gets osteoporosis, how it feels, and what prevents it can keep people from getting appropriate screening and treatment.

At Premier Endocrine in New York City, endocrinologist Sarah Fishman, MD, PhD, evaluates and treats osteoporosis. Understanding the facts can help you protect your bone health and reduce your risk of fractures.

Myth: Osteoporosis only affects women

Fact: Men can develop osteoporosis too, especially as they age.

Women develop osteoporosis more often than men, particularly after menopause, but men can develop the condition too. Bone density decreases with age in both sexes.

Your risk can also increase because of family history, certain medical conditions, medications, smoking, low body weight, or previous fractures. Men and women should discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare provider rather than assuming osteoporosis cannot affect them.

Myth: You can feel your bones getting weaker

Fact: Osteoporosis often causes no symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Osteoporosis often causes no obvious symptoms until a weakened bone breaks. The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation calls osteoporosis a “silent disease” because a fracture may provide the first sign that you have significant bone loss.

Spinal fractures can also cause height loss, back pain, or a stooped posture, although some occur without noticeable pain.

Myth: A bone density test is painful

Fact: A DEXA scan is quick, painless, and noninvasive.

Bone density testing provides a simple way to evaluate bone strength. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, commonly called a DEXA or DXA scan, measures bone mineral density, typically at the hip and spine.

The test is painless, requires no injections, and uses a very low radiation dose. Your results can help determine whether you have normal bone density, osteopenia, or osteoporosis and guide treatment decisions.

Myth: Calcium alone prevents osteoporosis

Fact: Strong bones also depend on vitamin D, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.

Calcium plays an important role in maintaining strong bones, but taking large amounts of calcium cannot guarantee that you will avoid osteoporosis.

Bone health depends on several factors. Your body also needs vitamin D to absorb calcium effectively. Regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise can support bone strength, while avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can further reduce your risk.

Taking more calcium than your body needs does not provide additional protection. Your provider can help determine whether you get enough calcium and vitamin D through your diet or need supplementation.

Myth: Osteoporosis treatment starts after a fracture

Fact: Screening and treatment can begin before a fracture happens.

You don’t need to wait until you break a bone to address osteoporosis. Screening can detect low bone density before a serious fracture occurs.

Dr. Fishman considers your age, bone density, medical history, family history, and other risk factors when determining your treatment plan. Treatment may include dietary changes, weight-bearing exercise, and medications that slow bone loss or help build bone.

The goal is to strengthen your bones and lower your risk of future fractures.

Take bone health seriously

Osteoporosis can have serious consequences, but screening and treatment can help you take action before bone loss leads to a disabling fracture.

If you have osteoporosis risk factors, have had an unexplained fracture, or want to understand your bone health better, call Sarah Fishman Premier Endocrine or book an appointment online. Dr. Fishman can evaluate your risk, recommend appropriate testing, and create a personalized plan to help protect your bones.