Osteoporosis - Balanced Hormones Clinic

Here's the optimized version of the text, with the requested changes:

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes a loss of bone density and degeneration of bone tissue. As osteoporosis progresses, bones become fragile and have an increased risk of fracture. Even a minor bump or falling from a small height can cause a broken bone in someone with advanced osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis affects both men and women, but women are at a particularly high risk due to changes in hormone levels during menopause. Other risk factors include:

• Older age
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Low calcium intake
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Small, thin body frame
• Certain medications like corticosteroids

Some early warning signs of osteoporosis include:

• Receding gums
• Weakening grip strength
• Dowager's hump of the upper back
• Loss of height over time

However, osteoporosis can progress without any symptoms until a fracture occurs. That's why getting regular bone density scans helps assess your risk.

To reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis:

• Get sufficient calcium and vitamin D
• Perform regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
• Don't smoke and avoid excessive alcohol intake
• Take bone-protecting medication if prescribed

If you have osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend:

• Medications like bisphosphonates or denosumab to slow bone loss
• Vitamin D and calcium supplements to support bone health
• Quitting behaviors like smoking that threaten bones
• Using walking aids to improve stability and prevent falls

While there is no cure, the good news is osteoporosis can often be prevented and managed with early intervention. Protect your future health by understanding and reducing your key risk factors for this "silent disease". Let me know if you have any other questions!