Causes of osteoporosis include:

• Aging: Bone density naturally decreases with age;
• Lack of calcium and vitamin D: These are essential for healthy bones;
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk;
• Genetics: A family history of osteoporosis can increase your risk;
• Long-term use of certain medications: Such as corticosteroids and some anticonvulsant medications.
  

Osteoporosis itself has no direct symptoms, but its consequences, such as fragility fractures, can cause pain and functional limitation. Early diagnosis is key to preventing fractures. Diagnostic tools include:

• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA): This scan measures bone mineral density (BMD) in common fracture areas such as the hip and spine;
• Blood and urine tests: To rule out other conditions that can cause bone loss.
  

Osteoporosis treatment aims to prevent fractures by strengthening bones or reducing bone loss and includes:

• Calcium and vitamin D supplements: These are essential for bone health;
  
• Medications: Bisphosphonates are the most common to reduce the risk of fractures. Other treatments may include selective estrogen receptor modulators, hormone therapy, and medications that stimulate bone formation;
  
• Regular exercise: Activities such as walking, yoga, or resistance training help improve muscle strength and bone density;
  
• Fall prevention: Improve home safety to reduce the risk of falls that can lead to fractures.
  

The main complications of osteoporosis include:

• Fractures: Especially in the hip, wrist and vertebrae, which can lead to chronic pain and disability;
  
• Decreased quality of life: Pain and functional limitation after fractures can negatively affect the quality of life.