What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This leads to an increased risk of bone fractures, especially in the hip, spine and wrist.
Some key facts about osteoporosis:
- It is often called a "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms.
- It affects both men and women, but women are 4 times more likely to develop it due to changes in hormone levels during menopause.
- The most common complications are fractures. These often occur in the hip, spine and wrist, leading to chronic pain, disability and even early mortality.
- It can be prevented and treated! Maintaining healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits promotes strong bones. Medications can also help slow bone loss.
What causes osteoporosis?
There are several factors that contribute to low bone density and osteoporosis:
- Aging - Bone tissue naturally gets resorbed faster than it gets replaced as we age.
- Hormone changes - Decrease in estrogen levels in women during menopause leads to accelerated bone loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies - Low intake of vitamin D and calcium compromises bone health over time.
- Physical inactivity - Lack of weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise weakens bones.
- Health conditions & medications - Diseases like hyperthyroidism and use of corticosteroids increase bone loss.
While some of these risks are unavoidable, you can take charge of your bone health through lifestyle changes and seeking medical guidance.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose osteoporosis, doctors often order a bone mineral density (BMD) test using DXA scanning technology. This tells if your BMD falls in the osteoporosis range based on your age.
Depending on test results and fracture risks, the doctor may prescribe medication plus lifestyle changes:
- Bisphosphonates like alendronate help slow bone loss
- Healthy diet with enough calcium, vitamin D and protein
- Weight-bearing & muscle-strengthening exercises
- Fall prevention tips and safety measures
Medical specialists like those at Vital Hormone Clinic can provide personalized care including hormone therapy and nutritional guidance tailored to your needs. Their holistic approach focuses on optimizing wellness from within through integrative therapies.
I hope this overview on osteoporosis gives you a good understanding of this health condition. Let me know if you have any other questions! Taking action to maintain strong healthy bones is important at any age.