Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors

Osteoporosis Health Center

Osteoporosis Overview

Osteoporosis, or thinning bones, is a serious condition that can result in tremendous pain with fractures. Risk factors for osteoporosis include aging, being female, low body weight, low sex hormones such as during menopause, smoking, and some medications. There are no symptoms of this bone disease until you fracture a bone. Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis include calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, and osteoporosis medications, if needed.

Select a Chapter

Get News Updates | RSS Help

latest headlines

Heart Failure May Be Linked to Osteoporosis

New research suggests that up to 12% of people with heart failure may have osteoporosis as well as spine compression fractures that often are characteristic of the bone disease.

Top Stories

Understanding Osteoporosis -- Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

A person is often not aware that they have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. But there are symptoms of osteoporosis. They include:

  • Backache.
  • A gradual loss of height and an accompanying stooped posture.
  • Fractures of the spine, wrist, or hip.
Understanding Osteoporosis -- Symptoms

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.