Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone density, which makes bones fragile and susceptible to fractures and other complications. There may be no prominent symptoms of osteoporosis, however, the presence of pain could indicate a potential fracture. Common sites of fracture include the thigh bone near the hip joint, the spine and the forearm near the wrist.

The DEXA scan measures the bone density of the spine and hip and diagnoses osteoporosis. It is quick, safe, and painless.

People at high risk of osteoporosis:

• Elderly
• Female: osteoporosis is more common in women than in men, particularly in postmenopausal women due to estrogen deficiency
• Persons in small body build
• Having a family history of osteoporosis
• Unhealthy lifestyle: smoking, inadequate calcium & vitamin D intake, excessive caffeine intake, consuming too much salty food, inadequate weight-bearing exercise, excessive alcohol consumption
• Diseases: estrogen deficiency, testosterone deficiency, endocrine disorder
• Medications: long term use of high dose steroid