Your bones are constantly clearing out old bone cells and making new ones in their place. As people age, bone cells break down faster than they are replaced, which can cause the bones to become thin and fragile. What do you know about this disease that affects 10 million Americans?

True or False?
1. Only women get osteoporosis.
2. Osteoporosis is a normal part of aging.
3. Osteoporosis is only a concern for the elderly.
4. Osteoporosis is strictly hereditary.
5. Broken bones are the only way to tell if you have osteoporosis.
6. Osteoporosis cannot be prevented.

The answer to all of these questions is FALSE. Even though osteoporosis is quite common, it is still often misunderstood. Here are the facts:

1. Men and women get osteoporosis. While both men and women can develop osteoporosis, 80 percent of those who are affected by the disease are women.

2. Osteoporosis is not a normal part of aging. “It is a fact that you lose bone density with age, but you should continue to have good bone strength, and you should not develop osteoporosis,” says Liselle Douyon, M.D., clinical assistant professor, Department of Internal Medicine and director, Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease, University of Michigan Health System.

3. Osteoporosis is not only a concern for the elderly. Your bones build density from infancy through adulthood. Most people have reached maximum bone density by age 35.

4. Osteoporosis is not strictly hereditary. Women with a family history of osteoporosis do have an increased risk, but not having a family history doesn’t make you a less likely candidate. Steroids, certain kidney diseases, vitamin D deficiency, some hormonal diseases such as thyroid disorders, Cushing’s syndrome and certain types of cancer can be factors.

5. Broken bones are not the only way to tell if you have osteoporosis. There are other indicators like loss in height or change in posture. A bone density test should be done every few years, especially for women entering menopause.

6. Osteoporosis can be prevented. Building strong bones starts in childhood, but adults can take preventive steps too. Douyon says that “adequate nutrition, good calcium intake, exercise and adequate vitamin D supplementation” are all important.

Osteoporosis can result in disability, loss of independence and even death. Click on "Prevention" to find out what you can do to lower your risks.

Call the Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Disease at (734) 647-5922 for an appointment.