Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" — and for good reason. You won’t feel it creeping in. There’s no pain, no obvious symptoms, and no early warnings. That is, until something breaks. Literally.

Many women discover they have osteoporosis only after a sudden fracture — often from a simple fall or even bending down awkwardly. By then, the bones have already become dangerously weak.

But the good news? You can take steps early in life to reduce your risk — and potentially prevent osteoporosis altogether.