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Condition

Osteoporosis

A condition of weakened, porous bone that raises the risk of fractures.

A condition of weakened, porous bone that raises the risk of fractures.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones lose density and become fragile, increasing the chance of fractures. The decline in estrogen after menopause accelerates bone loss.

It is diagnosed with a bone mineral density (DEXA) scan and is described using the T-score.

Related terms

Osteopenia

Lower-than-normal bone density that is not yet in the osteoporosis range.

Bone mineral density

A measure of the mineral content of bone, used to assess fracture risk.

T-score

A bone-density result comparing your bone to that of a healthy young adult.

Postmenopause

The stage of life after the menopause milestone, when estrogen levels remain low.

DEXA scan

A low-dose X-ray test that measures bone mineral density.

Source

MedlinePlus: Osteoporosis

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