Osteoporosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Osteoporosis?
A primary care doctor often starts care for osteoporosis. An endocrinologist (a hormone and gland doctor) or a rheumatologist (a doctor who treats bone, joint, and muscle diseases) may also treat it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which the bones get weaker and less dense. This can lower bone strength and raise the risk of fractures, which are broken bones. Fractures can happen in any bone, but they happen most often in the hip, the vertebrae in the spine, and the wrist. Osteoporosis is the major cause of fractures in women after menopause and in older men.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis is called a silent disease because there are typically no symptoms until a bone is broken. Signs of a broken bone in the spine include severe back pain, loss of height, and a stooped or hunched posture. Weakened bones can break from a minor fall, such as a fall from standing height.
Causes and who gets it
Osteoporosis affects women and men of all races and ethnic groups. The risk goes up as you get older. Your chances are greater if you are a woman, but men are still at risk, especially after age 70.
Factors that can raise your risk include:
- White and Asian women have the highest risk.
- A parent with osteoporosis or a hip fracture.
- Low estrogen after menopause, or low testosterone in men.
- A diet low in calcium and vitamin D.
- Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, HIV/AIDS, and anorexia nervosa.
- Long-term use of some medicines, such as steroids, seizure medicines, and medicines that lower stomach acid.
Do not stop any medicine on your own. Ask your doctor first.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors usually diagnose osteoporosis during routine screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a national expert group, recommends screening for women over age 65. It also recommends screening for younger women with risk factors. For men, the Task Force made no recommendation because of a lack of evidence.
The most common bone density test is DXA, a quick, painless scan that uses low levels of x-rays. DXA of the hip and spine is generally the most reliable way to diagnose osteoporosis and predict fracture risk.
Treatment
The goals of treatment are to slow or stop bone loss and to prevent fractures. Your provider may recommend good food, lifestyle changes, exercise, fall prevention, and medicines. If a medicine is causing bone loss, your doctor may lower the dose or switch you to another medicine.
Calcium and vitamin D are important for preventing osteoporosis. If you cannot get enough from food, you may need supplements. Ask your provider which kind and how much.
Strength training or resistance training is among the best activities for bone health. Exercise can also build muscle, coordination, and balance, so you are less likely to fall. If you have osteoporosis, you should avoid high-impact exercise.
The FDA has approved several types of medicine to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates slow down bone loss, which can lower the chance of fractures. Parathyroid hormone medicines build bone mass. They are approved for women after menopause and for men at high risk of fracture. Hormone therapy can have side effects. Women are advised to use the lowest dose for the shortest time. Medicines can cause side effects. You still need enough calcium and vitamin D when you take these medicines.
Falls raise the chance of breaking a bone in the hip, wrist, spine, or another part of the skeleton.
When to see a doctor
Severe back pain, loss of height, or a stooped posture can mean a broken bone in the spine, so tell your doctor. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a head or spine injury, or sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body, such as after a fall. Ask about screening if you are a woman over 65 or have risk factors.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A primary care doctor can talk through your risk factors, review your medicines, and arrange follow-up visits. They can also refer you to a specialist when needed.
Common questions
Can osteoporosis be prevented?
Some steps can help prevent it and prevent fractures. These include weight-bearing exercise such as walking, drinking alcohol in moderation, and quitting smoking. Eating a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D also helps.
Do men get osteoporosis?
Yes, osteoporosis affects men as well as women. Many men think they are not at risk because more women get it. But older men and women are both at risk.
Does osteoporosis cause symptoms?
Usually not until a bone breaks. A broken bone in the spine can cause severe back pain, loss of height, or a stooped posture.
Is exercise safe if I have osteoporosis?
Yes, the right kind of exercise is an important part of treatment. Exercise should not put sudden or heavy strain on your bones, and high-impact exercise should be avoided. A physical therapist can help plan a safe program.
Sources
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Osteoporosis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Osteoporosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
