A 51-year-old member asked:
What symptoms suggest bone loss?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Melissa Younganswered
Endocrinology 10 years experience
Usually none: Bone loss, which eventually leads to osteoporosis and osteopenia , does not cause symptoms. It does, however, increase the risk of fracture. A bone density test, or dxa, can determine if there is bone loss.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Wayne Ingramanswered
Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Sometimes, none: Bone loss is assessed in post-menopausal women with a bone densiometry study. Estrogen tends to mitigate bone loss in pre-menopausal women. Many women with bone loss have no symptoms until a "spontaneous fracture" occurs with or without a fall.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. PHILIP WALLER commented
Rheumatology 34 years experience
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT MEN ALSO GET BONE LOSS BUT MANY TIMES IT IS OVERLOOKED OR NOT THOUGHT ABOUT SINCE MOST PEOPLE INCLUDING DOCTORS THINK BONE LOSS IS ONLY A WOMEN'S DISEASE.
Mar 8, 2012

Dr. Dinh Buianswered
Dentistry 24 years experience
Perio probing: Symptoms would be tooth mobility, bleeding gums, and may occur with or without pain. Halitosis is another symptom, and maybe loss of function if the bone loss is severe. Periodontal charting or probing, a process of measuring attachment level using the probes will clarify the extent of bone loss. Radiographic also helps diagnosis.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 30, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.