Osteoporosis is a condition where bone density decreases over time, causing bones to thin, become brittle, and prone to injury and fractures even from minor trauma. Master, Doctor Pham Thi Xuan Thu, from the department of internal medicine, musculoskeletal, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, states that while the condition is common in older adults, it is increasingly observed in people aged 20 to 50, especially those with underlying medical conditions or factors affecting bone formation and maintenance.

Osteoporosis often progresses silently, causing no pain until a fracture occurs. Some individuals only discover the condition after experiencing a fracture from a minor injury or developing back pain due to vertebral compression. Despite the lack of clear symptoms, osteoporosis significantly impacts the lives of young people, particularly those in their working years.

Doctor Thu explains test results to a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Bone density loss in young people can occur due to various reasons, common ones include:

Unhealthy diets, particularly those lacking calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is a crucial mineral for building bone structure, while vitamin D aids in calcium absorption from food. In their daily diets, many young people who diet excessively, suffer from malnutrition, or have limited sun exposure may develop deficiencies in calcium and other vital nutrients essential for strong bones. Habits such as consuming alcohol, smoking, or using certain other stimulants also contribute to osteoporosis in young individuals.

A sedentary lifestyle, involving prolonged sitting, common among office workers and drivers, carries a high risk of reduced bone density. Bones require impact from muscles and gravity to stimulate osteoblast activity. When the body is less active, bone formation slows, while bone loss continues. Reduced physical activity also weakens muscles, providing inadequate support for the musculoskeletal system, which increases the risk of falls and fractures.

Underlying medical conditions and endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, sex hormone deficiency, prolonged menstrual disorders, intestinal diseases causing malabsorption, chronic kidney disease, and other chronic inflammatory diseases can reduce bone density. In young people who experience fractures after minor trauma, doctors often need to investigate secondary causes rather than solely focusing on calcium supplementation.

Long-term systemic glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) treatment is a significant risk factor. Some anticonvulsants and other medications can also affect bone health.

Patients undergo bone density measurements, providing quick and accurate results. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

According to Doctor Thu, young individuals who have experienced a fracture after minor impact, have conditions causing bone loss, or are on long-term medications affecting bones should seek medical consultation for risk assessment. Certain tests may be prescribed to identify causes and measure bone density when appropriate.

To protect bone health, everyone, including young adults, should maintain a diverse diet ensuring sufficient calcium, vitamin D, and protein intake. They should engage in weight-bearing exercises combined with strength training, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. If underlying medical conditions exist, proper treatment and monitoring according to guidelines are essential. Osteoporosis medication should only be considered in cases with specific indications; self-medication or purchasing supplements with the expectation of a cure is not advisable.

Phi Hong