Women's Conditions > Osteoporosis
Key points
- Primary osteoporosis is the most common type of osteoporosis.
- Secondary osteoporosis has the same symptoms as primary osteoporosis.
- Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare form of osteoporosis that is present at birth.
- It occurs in children between the ages of 8 and 14 or during times of rapid growth.
Classification of osteoporosis
The Basics
• Topic Overview
• Classification of osteoporosis
• Newly Diagnosed
There are four types of osteoporosis.
Primary osteoporosis
Primary osteoporosis is the most common type of osteoporosis. It is more common in women. In women, primary osteoporosis usually begins after monthly menstrual periods stop, when a woman's production of estrogen slows down (typically between the ages of 45 and 55). In men, it typically develops at about 45 to 50 years of age, when a man's production of testosterone slows down, although usually it has no effect until about age 65.
Secondary osteoporosis
Secondary osteoporosis has the same symptoms as primary osteoporosis. However, it occurs as a result of having certain medical conditions or taking certain medications known to cause bone breakdown. Secondary osteoporosis can occur at any age.
Osteogenesis imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare form of osteoporosis that is present at birth. There are about 20,000 people in the United States with this type of osteoporosis.
Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis
Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis is rare. It occurs in children between the ages of 8 and 14 or during times of rapid growth. There is no known cause for this type of osteoporosis.
Topic Overview | Classification of osteoporosis | Newly Diagnosed |
Source: Your Health Encyclopedia, 4-rd Edition, 2002
Last Revised at December 6, 2007 by Amalia K. Gagarina, M.S., R.D.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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