Osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as thinning or brittle bone disease. When bones get thinner, they are more likely to become brittle and break easily. In your body, bone tissue is continually broken down, reabsorbed, and replaced with new tissue. It is a natural process that continues throughout our lives. After about age 35, however, bone tissue is broken down faster than it is replaced. The effect of this is thinner, more fragile bones.

While no one knows for sure who will get osteoporosis, there are risk factors that increase your chances. Older people, especially women, are more at risk. People of European descent or those who have a close family member with the disease are more likely to have thinning bones. Hormones affect bone mass, as well. Low estrogen levels in women and low testosterone levels in men increase risk. Thyroid issues can increase your chances. Lifestyle habits can also increase your chances of becoming osteoporosis patients. These habits include eating disorders, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and taking certain medications. Here are five symptoms of osteoporosis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with your healthcare professional:

1. Receding gums
Loose teeth and gum disease are often an early sign that your jawbone is becoming thin and weak. As the jaw bone loses bone tissue, it cannot support teeth. The teeth become looser and looser and fall out eventually. Ask your dental professional to assess the situation.

2. Back pain
If your back hurts for no apparent reason, osteoporosis could be the culprit. Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae protect the spinal cord and help us to stand straight and walk. When they become too weak to withstand the pressure, the vertebrae may fracture. The pain can be severe and debilitating.

3. Stooped posture
Muscles attached to the vertebrae of the spine and help us to stand straight and maintain good posture. If you notice yourself or friends and family tell you that you look stooped, it could be that your bones may be losing mass, and the vertebrae may have fractures. As a result of this, you may experience related symptoms of osteoporosis, including neck pain, decreased flexibility, and poor balance. Breathing problems can also be linked to a bent-over posture.

4. Loss of height
As we age, the discs between the vertebrae compress, and the vertebrae themselves sometimes fracture. This causes us to become shorter. The height loss is slow and gradual, so it cannot usually be noticed immediately.

5. Easily fractured bones
With the loss of bone mass, bone fractures happen much more easily. It could be from a minor injury or occur seemingly spontaneously. Your wrist could break from doing a simple task, such as opening a window.