Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone mass, bone density, and the quality of bone tissue in the body decrease, while the proportion of bone components remains unchanged. This leads to reduced overall bone strength, making bones fragile and unable to withstand normal weight or impact, which increases the risk of fractures. It commonly affects the spine and wrists. Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women, with bone mass starting to decline after age 30 and decreasing rapidly after menopause and in older age. Although less common in men, about 20% of cases occur in males.

The disease often develops silently, as bone loss does not produce noticeable symptoms. Patients usually discover osteoporosis only after experiencing a fracture. Complications from fractures can include vertebral compression, kyphosis (hunched back), fragile arm or leg bones, disability, and in severe cases, death. Due to its silent nature, osteoporosis is often called the "silent threat to postmenopausal women."

Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

• Women over 65 years old

• Women who experience menopause before age 45

• Postmenopausal women with a body mass index (BMI) under 19 kg/m²

• Long-term estrogen deficiency (over 1 year)

• Prolonged use of glucocorticoid medications

• Family history of osteoporosis

• Regular smoking or alcohol consumption

• Inadequate intake of vitamin D or calcium

Prevention of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can be prevented through various measures, such as consuming foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals that help slow bone loss; adequate sun exposure for vitamin D synthesis; regular exercise to strengthen muscles; balance exercises to prevent falls; postural exercises to improve spinal alignment; and proper daily body mechanics to reduce risk. Avoiding high-risk activities, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, is also important. Regular health check-ups, especially for older adults, can help prevent bone degeneration.

Osteoporosis can be treated with medications, available in oral or injectable forms.

Advantages of injectable osteoporosis medications:

• Injectable medications provide higher efficacy than oral medications, as oral drugs have only about 0.6% absorption.

• The DIVA study shows that injectable forms increase bone mass more effectively than oral forms.

• Reduced gastrointestinal irritation compared to oral medications.

• More convenient administration: injection takes only 15–30 seconds and is done every 3 months, while oral medications require fasting for 10 hours before intake, sitting upright for 1 hour afterward, and weekly dosing.