What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis means bones have become thin and weak, so they break more easily. The hip, spine and wrist are most at risk. It is most common in women after menopause, but men get it too.
Who should get a bone density test?
- Women 65 and older
- Younger postmenopausal women with risk factors
- Men 70 and older, or younger men with risk factors
- Anyone who broke a bone from a minor fall as an adult
- People on long-term steroids or certain cancer treatments
Treatment options
- Bone-protecting medicines such as alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid and denosumab
- Bone-building medicines such as teriparatide, abaloparatide and romosozumab for people at very high risk
- Calcium, vitamin D and protein in the right amounts
- Strength and balance exercise and fall prevention
Research-informed care
Dr. Siddiqui has published research on improving fracture risk assessment, including the use of trabecular bone score in women with breast cancer. She uses tools like FRAX and your full history to match treatment to your real risk.
Endocrinologists also look for causes of bone loss such as high parathyroid hormone, low vitamin D, thyroid excess, low testosterone and steroid use.