Strong Bones, Strong Future: What You Should Know About Osteoporosis
- Ashlyn Smith
- Sep 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
By Ashlyn Smith, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA, LSC
ELM Endocrinology & Lifestyle Medicine
Every three seconds, someone in the world breaks a bone because of osteoporosis. You may have heard it called the “silent disease” because it often causes no symptoms until a fracture happens. The truth is, broken bones from osteoporosis can change lives—leading to pain, loss of independence, and even higher risk of future fractures. But the good news? There’s so much we can do to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” Healthy bone looks a lot like a honeycomb under a microscope. With osteoporosis, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb grow larger, making the bones weaker and more likely to break.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men in the U.S. will have a fracture from osteoporosis.
The most serious breaks often happen in the spine, hip, arm, or wrist.
After one fracture, the chance of another fracture goes up significantly.
What does this mean for you? Prevention of the first fracture is key!
Risk Factors to Know
Some risk factors you can’t control, like age, family history, or menopause. Others are lifestyle-related and can be improved with small changes.
Higher risk is linked to:
Low body weight
Smoking
Drinking more than 2–3 alcoholic drinks a day
Inactive lifestyle
Certain health conditions (like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disease)
Long-term use of steroid medications
How to Keep Bones Strong
The best time to build strong bones is in childhood and young adulthood, but it’s never too late to strengthen and protect your bones.
Calcium and vitamin D: Aim to get these from foods first (dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods). Supplements can help if needed.
Stay active: Weight-bearing exercise (like walking or dancing) strengthens bones, while balance and strength training lowers fall risk.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Both weaken bones.
Protect against falls: Clear walkways, use night lights, wear supportive shoes, and be mindful of rugs and pets.
Screening: When Should You Get Checked?
Bone density testing with a DEXA scan is the standard way to measure bone strength. Most guidelines recommend:
All women age 65+
Postmenopausal women or men age 50–64 with risk factors
All men age 70+
A simple scan can help your provider know if you have osteopenia (mild bone loss) or osteoporosis, and guide treatment to lower your fracture risk.
Treatment Options
If osteoporosis is diagnosed, treatment often includes:
Lifestyle changes (nutrition, exercise, fall precautions)
Medications that either slow down bone loss (like bisphosphonates) or help rebuild bone (like anabolic agents).
Regular monitoring with bone scans every 1–2 years.
The right treatment depends on your risk level, other health conditions, and your preferences.
How Can ELM Help?
At ELM (Endocrinology & Lifestyle Medicine), we believe whole-person care should be accessible to everyone—not just those already diagnosed with osteoporosis. Our PA-led telehealth practice supports:
Adults concerned about bone health – If you’ve had a fracture after age 50 or wonder about your risk, we can help you understand your next steps.
Women in midlife and beyond – Menopause and post-menopause are critical times for bone strength. We guide you through nutrition, screening, and treatment options.
Men at risk – Osteoporosis isn’t a women-only condition. Men with risk factors (like low testosterone, family history, or long-term steroid use) benefit from early care.
People living with chronic conditions – Diabetes, thyroid disease, and autoimmune conditions can impact bone health. We connect the dots across your health.
Anyone seeking prevention – You don’t have to wait until there’s a problem. Lifestyle coaching around movement, nutrition, and fall prevention helps protect your bones for the future.
Whether you’re just curious about your risk or navigating an osteoporosis diagnosis, ELM is here to provide compassionate, evidence-based guidance—locally and virtually.
The Bottom Line
Osteoporosis may be common, but broken bones don’t have to be your future. By staying active, eating for bone health, and getting screened when appropriate, you can protect your independence and quality of life.
If you’re concerned about your bone health—or if you’ve had a fracture after age 50—schedule your free education consultation with ELM today. Together, you can make a plan to keep your bones strong for years to come.
Have more questions about your risk of fracture? I am here to help—let’s connect on a free educational consultation to discuss further!
Access ELM's free Osteoporosis Handout for even more information:
Disclaimer: |
The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. |
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