“a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low

bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of

bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and

consequent increase in fracture risk”

-National Institutes of Health and the National Bone Health & Osteoporosis

Foundation, World Health Organization

Low bone mass or decreased

calcification of bone without the

clinically increased risk of fracture.

Aging is associated with bone loss over time. During perimenopause/menopause, some women can lose up to 20% of their bone mineral density.

Risk factors can be divided into two categories. Those we CANNOT change:

• Gender
• Enthicity
• Genetics
• Body frame

and Factors that CAN be changed:

• Nutrition
• Physical Activity
• Use of Alcohol or Tobacco
• Hormones

A medical condition itself may affect bone

health. These are some of the Medical Conditions that Affect Bone Health:

• Gastrointestinal disease
• Pulmonary disease
• Renal disease
• Hormonal changes/conditions
• Cardiac disease
• Rheumatologic disease
• Dermatologic disease
• Cancer
• Vascular disease or coagulation history

GERD (acid reflux) - The condition itself can lead to not getting the nutrients needed to maintain healthy bones. Prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors increases the risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Crohn's Disease - This condition affects absorption of nutrients to build and maintain healthy bones.  Treatment may include long-term use of corticosteroids which can cause bone loss.

Talk to your doctor about risks/benefits of these medications.

Diabetes itself can lead to bone loss. Some medications can help decrease bone loss related to diabetes while other medications

such as thiazolidinides (Actos, Avandia) have been associated with bone loss.

Talk to your doctor about risks/benefits of these medications.

Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antiepileptic medications have been associated with lower bone mineral density and possible increase in bone loss with prolonged use. 

Talk to your doctor about risks/benefits of these medications.