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🏥 Gotokuji Orthopedic Clinic / Patient Guide

Osteoporosis

Get a bone density test before your bones become weak

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become fragile and break more easily. It involves not only a loss of bone quantity (bone density) but also a decline in bone quality.
It happens when the balance between breaking down old bone and building new bone is disrupted due to aging or hormonal changes.
There are almost no symptoms, so many people only find out when they break a bone -- it is often called the "silent disease."
It is especially common in women after menopause.

1
Aging and hormonal changes disrupt bone turnover

After menopause, the drop in estrogen speeds up bone breakdown

2
Bone density gradually decreases

The internal structure of bones becomes thin and porous, losing strength

3
Even minor impacts can cause fractures

A fall, sitting down hard, or even a sneeze can lead to a broken bone

👩 Postmenopausal women 👴 Age 65+ 🧬 Family history 🚬 Smoking 💤 Lack of exercise 💊 Steroid medication
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Spinal compression fracture (causes a rounded back)
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Hip fracture (risk of becoming bedridden)
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Wrist fracture (from falling on an outstretched hand)
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Upper arm fracture (near the shoulder)
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Medication
Bisphosphonates, denosumab, and other drugs to strengthen bones. Rarely they can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, so have a dental check-up and start oral care before treatment. With denosumab, calcium and vitamin D supplements plus regular blood tests are needed to prevent hypocalcaemia. Do not stop the medication on your own — fracture risk can rise after stopping
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Nutrition
Calcium 700-800 mg/day, plus vitamin D and vitamin K
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Exercise
Walking 30 min/day and single-leg standing exercises to stimulate bones
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Fall Prevention
Remove tripping hazards, install handrails, use nightlights to reduce fall risk
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Bone Density Test (DXA Scan)
A quick, painless scan using low-dose X-rays to measure bone density with good precision
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Sunlight Exposure
About 15 minutes of sunlight a day helps your body produce vitamin D
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Proper treatment can help reduce your risk of fractures

While it is difficult to fully reverse osteoporosis, medication and lifestyle changes may help lower the risk of fractures. Continuing treatment with regular bone density checks is important for long-term management.

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We recommend a bone density test if you are:
A woman over 50 (especially after menopause), anyone 65 or older, someone with a family history of osteoporosis, or anyone taking steroid medication long-term. Getting tested is the first step to protecting your bones.

💡 Daily Habits to Prevent Fractures

  • Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D
  • Make walking or other moderate exercise a daily habit
  • Reduce tripping hazards at home (remove loose mats, install handrails)
  • Do not wait until something goes wrong -- get regular bone density tests