Osteoporosis

Women are at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis because of the affects of estrogen on bone density and the affects of pregnancy.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors:

•    Small frame
•    Cigarette smoking
•    Drinking alcohol excessively
•    Absence of exercise
•    Inadequate nutrition
•    Poor general health
•    Calcium deficiency

Medical issues and medical treatment can contribute to increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis like these listed below:

•    Malabsorption that prevents proper absorption of nutrients
•    Low estrogen caused by surgery or hormone imbalance during menopause
•    Chemotherapy treatment
•    Amenorrhea (loss of menstruation)
•    Chronic inflammation from disease like rheumatoid arthritis
•    Hyperthyroidism
•    Vitamin D deficiency
•    Medications

The risks can be managed to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Prevention includes exercise, healthy living, and supplements. Foods that are high in calcium include milk, plain yogurt, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, vanilla ice cream, and calcium fortified orange juice will contribute to bone strength. Between 1000 and 1500 milligrams of calcium is recommended daily.

Early diagnosis of osteoporosis usually doesn’t occur due to it having no symptoms. The first sign of osteoporosis may occur as much as a decade after its onset. The signs and symptoms include fractures and broken bones. They can be stress related, like from stepping wrong or injury related like from a fall. The breaks and fractures may be the result of participating in normal activities. Undetected spinal fractures can cause backaches.

X-rays diagnose osteoporosis. By the time an x-ray diagnoses osteoporosis, about 30% of bone loss has occurred. Duel energy x-ray absorptiometry scans are recommended because of the low dose of radiation.

Treatment of osteoporosis includes lifestyle changes and medications that prevent bone loss or builds bone. Hormone Replacement Therapy and changing medications that are contributing to bone loss can also be part of osteoporosis treatment.

Since osteoporosis doesn’t have symptoms early detection is difficult. Women at risk should have their bone density monitored. When a woman is diagnosed with osteoporosis it is important that she takes care to prevent fractures and breaks.