OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens the bones to the point where they break easily. They can even break with mild stresses such as bending over, sneezing, or lifting a vacuum cleaner. White and Asian women are most likely to get osteoporosis. By the age of 65 or 70, most men will lose bone strength at the same rate as women. Millions of Americans have osteoporosis and the majority are women.

Some risk factors for osteoporosis that cannot be controlled include being female, having a small body frame, having a family history of the disease, and early menopause. Risk factors that can be controlled include not getting enough calcium and vitamin D, taking certain medicines (like cortisone, steroids, or too much thyroid), getting too little exercise, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol.

Early signs of osteoporosis are losing height or having a bone break. Sometimes a fractured bone may be the first sign of the disease. The back, hip, wrist, and forearm bones are the most common bones affected. The bones of the spine are common areas of thinning. When this happens, the vertebrae fracture and collapse on themselves. This causes loss of height, back pain, and a stooped posture, or "dowager's hump."

Bone density tests can be done to find out if there is a risk of fracture. A healthcare provider can suggest which is the best one to have. A bone density screening test is recommended for women who: are over age 50, have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis after menopause, have had a fractured bone, use medications that can cause osteoporosis, and are as young as even age 21 with risk factors for osteoporosis, such as having an eating disorder. Men who are at risk of having osteoporosis may also need to have a bone density test.

Once osteoporosis has been diagnosed, it is important to prevent fractures of the weaker bones. It may be necessary to take calcium and vitamin D. Estrogen, the female hormone, plays an important role in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Certain estrogen or hormone therapies may cause a few more women to have heart disease or strokes. The use of hormone therapy to prevent or treat osteoporosis must be discussed with a healthcare provider. Other drugs and treatments are available to treat osteoporosis to make the bones stronger. Some men will need to take testosterone if these hormones are at a low level.

Exercise will help to build up the bones, and make them stronger. Building up muscle strength may help keep a person from falling. Caution must be used when walking outside to prevent a fall. Anything in the house that might cause a fall such as loose throw rugs and dangling lamp cords should be removed.

The key is to prevent osteoporosis in the first place. Preventing osteoporosis is a life-long activity. Bones are being built up and made stronger during childhood and the teenage years. This continues until about the age of 30. It is important during this time to eat foods with calcium. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, dark, green leafy vegetables, sardines and salmon with bones, and almonds. If it is not possible to get enough calcium with food, extra calcium can be taken. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. The sun helps the body make vitamin D. Being in the sun for 20 minutes a day is usually enough for the body to make Vitamin D. It may be necessary to take extra Vitamin D. This is especially important for older adults or those not getting much sun exposure each day.

Weight bearing exercise 3 to 4 times a week helps prevent osteoporosis by making the bones stronger and building up muscles. From the very young to the very old, everyone needs to exercise on a regular basis. Even people older than 90 can do some exercising, like walking. Adults who smoke or drink alcohol, should quit smoking and drink alcohol in moderate amounts. Teenagers and young adults should not start smoking and if they drink, drink only in moderation.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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