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Home Health Library Osteoporosis
Serious severity · Endocrinology

Osteoporosis

Brittle bones · Silent until a fracture

Bones lose density and fracture easily — sometimes from a simple sneeze. Annual DEXA after menopause picks it up early.

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At a glance
Prevalence
1 in 3 women, 1 in 5 men over 50
Typical age
Post-menopausal women, men 65+
Outlook
Manageable
System
Hormones
Reviewed by a verified Endocrinology doctor
What causes it

Causes

  • Post-menopausal estrogen drop
  • Long-term steroid use
  • Vitamin D and calcium deficiency
  • Thin frame, family history
  • Smoking, heavy alcohol
How it feels

Symptoms & effects

  • Usually silent
  • Loss of height over years
  • Stooped posture
  • Sudden back pain from vertebral fracture
  • Hip or wrist fracture from minor fall
How it’s treated

Treatment & cure

  • Calcium 1000–1200 mg + Vitamin D 800 IU/day
  • Weight-bearing exercise
  • Bisphosphonates or denosumab
  • Hormone therapy in select women
  • Fall-proof the home
Staying ahead

Prevention

  • Strength-train from your 30s
  • Sunlight 15 min/day
  • Stop smoking, limit alcohol
  • DEXA scan after menopause or age 65

Do’s

  • Take calcium with food
  • Practice tai-chi or yoga for balance
  • Remove loose rugs and clutter
  • Use anti-slip mats in bathroom

Don’ts

  • Take calcium with thyroid meds (4 hr gap)
  • Crash-diet in midlife
  • Ignore back pain — get an X-ray
  • Stop bisphosphonates without a drug holiday plan
See a doctor immediately if

Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.

Top specialists

Top 4 doctors for Osteoporosis

Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.

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GT 1

Dr. GHANSHYAM THUMMAR

Gynaecology · 9 yrs

0 (0)
THUMMAR WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 310
Next slot By appointment · ₹1000
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DG 2

Dr. DIPAK GANGANI

Gynaecology · 9 yrs

0 (0)
HIRABA WOMEN HOSPITAL · 301-304/ VARNI PLAZA
Next slot By appointment · ₹1200
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KK 3

Dr. Kinjal Kothari

Gynaecology · 5 yrs

0 (0)
Manipal hospital · Dr e borges road
Next slot By appointment · ₹600
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AP 4

Dr. Akshay Padaliya

Gynaecology · 5 yrs

0 (0)
Nimaaya IVF centre · 3rd floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹1000
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Low haemoglobin · Iron stores empty
Kidney Stones
Renal calculi · Severe flank pain
Type 2 Diabetes
High blood sugar · Insulin resistance
Disclaimer · This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment. Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.