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As many as eight million American women already have osteoporosis, and 34 million have low bone density, putting them at risk for developing the disease. Half of all women over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in the years ahead. Significant risk has been reported in people of all ethnic backgrounds.

Three out of four women have not discussed bone health with their health care professional or been screened for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is under-recognized and under-treated in American women—a significant percentage of women don't know they have it, and an even higher percentage of women with the disease aren't being treated. Make an appointment today to discuss your personal health risks for osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis contributes to more than 1.5 million fractures annually, including 300,000 hip fractures, 700,000 vertebral fractures, 250,000 wrist fractures and 300,000 fractures at other sites (approximate numbers).

The number of people beyond age 65 years in the United States will increase from 32 million to 69 million by the year 2050, and of this number, more than 15 million will be made up of people older than 85 years. The increase in population is relative to the national cost of osteoporosis, which was estimated at $17 billion in 2001, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. During the next 50 years, the national cost may be as high as $240 billion.

Smoking, abusing alcohol and excessive thinness increase your risk for developing osteoporosis. Likewise, if you don't exercise, or if you exercise too much, your risk for developing osteoporosis increases.

Bones that are calcium rich are less likely to break. Be sure your diet provides at least 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium daily to help keep your bones strong. Drinking or eating three dairy products a day provides the recommended daily intake of calcium, but most women fall short of this requirement. If you are unable to get enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet, your health care professional may recommend a supplement.

Menopause increases your risk for developing osteoporosis because your body's natural production of the hormone estrogen declines and estrogen helps keep bones strong.

Several types of medications, including calcitonin (Miacalcin), raloxifene (Evista) and bisphosphonates (Actonel, Fosamax, ibrandronate), are effective in preventing and/or treating osteoporosis. Teriparatide (Forteo), a drug approved in 2002, is the first medication that actually stimulates bone formation instead of slowing the breakdown of bone. And Reclast, approved in August 2007, is a once-yearly treatment for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Women lose the most bone mass—as much as 20 percent—in the first five to seven years following menopause. Because of declining estrogen levels after menopause, a woman's ability to naturally maintain bone structure is seriously depleted. However, not everyone needs to seek treatment. Bone density testing helps target those at greatest risk for bone loss and osteoporosis.

A bone mineral density (BMD) test measures the strength of your bones to determine your risk of developing osteoporosis. This test is not usually performed until after menopause, unless you have an unusual clinical situation or are at high risk for osteoporosis. It is quick, painless and non-invasive. Medicare and many commercial insurers pay for BMD testing for individuals at risk and those with osteoporosis.

Bone loss rates can be slowed by regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. Activities such as walking, gardening, jogging and playing tennis help to strengthen bones and connective tissue.

There is no cure for osteoporosis. However, it is preventable and treatable. You can help prevent bone loss and fractures from osteoporosis with proper diet, exercise and medications, when necessary.