Osteoporosis

Early menopause. Over age 50. Reduced calcium intake. Thin and small framed. Drugs such as cortisone. Endocrine treatment for prostate cancer. Treatments for obesity in adults and children.
Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased bone fragility with a consequent susceptibility to fracture.
Women are at the greatest risk. One third of women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, yet nearly 80% remain undiagnosed. After menopause, a woman's risk of suffering an osteoporotic spine or femur fracture Increase significantly.