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March 20, 2025
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A slight decrease in height is a normal part of aging — largely due to the loss of muscle mass. However, a significant loss of height can be an early warning sign of osteoporosis, a silent condition that weakens bones over time.
Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures — even from minor falls or movements.
Normally, the body continuously breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone. But in osteoporosis, the production of new bone fails to keep pace with bone loss, leading to porous and fragile bones.
While it can affect anyone, osteoporosis is especially common in women after menopause.
Bone Density (BMD) measures the strength of your bones. A bone density test can detect osteoporosis before a fracture happens.
T-Score Ranges:
Normal: -1 and above
Low Bone Density (Osteopenia): Between -1 and -2.5
Osteoporosis: -2.5 and below
If your T-score falls below -2.5, it’s a clear sign that medical attention and lifestyle changes are necessary.
In its early stages, osteoporosis is known as the “silent disease” because it shows no clear symptoms. As it progresses, patients may experience:
Persistent lower back or neck pain
Stooped posture and noticeable loss of height
Fragile bones prone to fractures
Sudden sharp pains
Stage 1: Up to age 30 — peak bone density is reached. No symptoms.
Stage 2: Ages 30-35 — slow decline in bone density, possible signs include receding gums or brittle nails.
Stage 3: Ages 45-55 — bones become fragile, fractures happen easily, back or neck pain may develop.
Stage 4: Advanced stage — visible spinal deformities (Dowager’s hump), severe pain, restricted mobility.
Several factors can disrupt the bone renewal process:
Calcium deficiency
Hormonal imbalances (especially estrogen in women and testosterone in men)
Medical conditions (thyroid issues, cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Medications (long-term corticosteroid use, cancer therapy, anti-seizure drugs)
Primary Osteoporosis
Type 1: Hormonal changes post-menopause or due to aging.
Type 2: Calcium or vitamin D deficiency.
Secondary Osteoporosis
Caused by underlying conditions or medications such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, or long-term steroid use.
Gender: More common in women.
Age: Risk rises sharply after 50.
Family History: Genetic predisposition increases risk.
Lifestyle Factors:
Low physical activity
Poor nutrition (low calcium, vitamin D)
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Fractures: Especially in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Loss of Mobility: Can reduce independence and increase fall risk.
Posture Changes: Stooped back, loss of height.
Depression: Reduced physical abilities can lead to emotional stress.
You should seek medical advice if:
You’re over 50 and notice a loss of height.
You experience back or joint pain.
You’ve suffered a fracture from a minor incident.
You’re postmenopausal or at risk and haven’t been screened.
A variety of specialists can manage osteoporosis:
Orthopedicians
Endocrinologists
Rheumatologists
Geriatricians
Gynecologists
Physiatrists
The primary test for osteoporosis is the DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), which measures your bone density at key points such as the hip and spine.
Your results will be compared against:
Age-matched scores (for peers your age)
Young-normal scores (ideal bone density for a healthy 30-year-old)
Build strong bones early in life through a calcium- and vitamin D-rich diet.
Stay active with weight-bearing exercises like walking or strength training.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
Consult a doctor regularly for bone health check-ups, especially if you have risk factors.
Osteoporosis is preventable and treatable — but early detection is key! Don’t ignore subtle signs like back pain, a stooped posture, or shrinking height. Stay active, eat well, and talk to your doctor about bone health.
