Osteoporosis, a metabolic disease characterized by bone mineral density loss, makes bones more fragile and prone to fractures. Often silent, the disease can progress for years without obvious symptoms, only being discovered after a fall or a simple movement results in a fracture.
Fractures commonly occur in the wrist, vertebrae, and hip, which can have significant consequences such as pain, physical limitations, loss of mobility, and independence. Risk factors include age, genetic predisposition, family history, and hormonal changes, with women, especially after menopause, being more affected.
Estimates suggest around 200 million people worldwide live with osteoporosis. In Portugal, about 80% of patients are women, and approximately 194 fractures occur daily due to the disease. Prevention and awareness are crucial for protecting bone health.
