Osteoporosis — thinning of the bones

1/6 What is it?

In osteoporosis the internal structure of the bone becomes sparse and the bone becomes brittle.

As a result an ordinary fall — sometimes even a forceful cough — can cause a fracture.

The vertebrae, the neck of the femur and the wrist are the most common sites.

In everyday speech it is called "thinning of the bones", which describes it reasonably well.

2/6 Who is it for?

Women after the menopause — bone loss accelerates in that period.

Women over 65 and men over 70.

People taking steroid medicines long-term.

People who have had a fracture after a minor injury.

People with a family history of hip fracture, a slight build, or who smoke.

People who have lost height or whose upper back is starting to curve.

3/6 When to seek care

• You have become noticeably shorter than in previous years
• Your upper back has begun to curve
• You have had a fracture after a small fall
• You have been taking steroid medicines for a long time
• You went through the menopause early
• You have sudden back pain with no clear cause

Sudden, severe back pain can be a sign of a vertebral fracture. If you are in a risk group in particular, do not wait.

4/6 Why it matters

Osteoporosis itself causes no pain, but a fracture has serious consequences. A hip fracture can cost a person their independence.

The disease runs silently. That is why assessment is recommended for people in risk groups even without symptoms.

Having one fracture raises the risk of the next. Treatment aims to break that cycle.

Preventing falls is part of the treatment: safety at home, vision, balance, and a review of the medicine list.

5/6 How it is done

1. Risk assessment. Age, menopause, previous fractures, medicines and family history are all asked about.
2. Densitometry. Bone density is measured by DXA. This is the main diagnostic method for osteoporosis.
3. Blood tests. Calcium, vitamin D, kidney function and thyroid function are checked, to exclude secondary causes.
4. Imaging. Where a vertebral fracture is suspected, a spinal X-ray is requested.
5. Treatment plan. Calcium and vitamin D provision, and where indicated medicines that protect the bone.

A plain X-ray does not show osteoporosis at an early stage. It becomes visible only once bone loss is considerable, which is why densitometry is preferred.

Treatment is long-term and reviewed periodically.

6/6 Where it is done

Examination, assessment of test results and follow-up take place in Baku, at StarLab Clinic.

Address: 20 Yanvar str. 88, 5th microdistrict, Baku, opposite the Qızıltac wedding hall.

Contact: +994 55 550 55 69.

Densitometry is preferred for diagnosing osteoporosis because it measures bone density as a number. A plain X-ray shows only advanced loss and fractures.

Calcium and vitamin D form the basis of treatment, but in confirmed osteoporosis they are often not enough on their own. Whether further treatment is needed is decided from the densitometry result.

No. What matters for bone health is a steady daily supply of calcium. A single intravenous dose does not serve that purpose and is used for different indications.

Weight-bearing movement — walking, light resistance work — and balance exercises are helpful. The programme should be chosen for your age and fracture risk.