Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a progressive bone-loss disease in which bones become increasingly more fragile with an increased risk of fractures. The condition develops when bone is no longer replaced as quickly as it is removed. Osteoporosis can develop over many years. It causes no pain, and most people are unaware that they have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs.

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
Although the exact medical cause for osteoporosis is unknown, a number of factors contribute to osteoporosis:

• aging - bones become less dense and weaker as you age
  
  
• gender - women have a greater occurrence than men (also because of changes involved with menopause)
  
  
• race - Caucasian and Asian women are most at risk, although all races may develop the disease
  
  
• bone structure and body weight - smaller-boned, thinner people are more at risk
  
  
• menopause - associated with reduced levels of estrogen
  
  
• lifestyle factors:
  
  
  • physical inactivity
  • heredity
  • smoking
  • excessive alcohol intake
    
    
• certain medications may increase a person's risk

Osteoporosis may occur in all persons as they age, the rate of progression and the effects can be managed and modified with early diagnosis and treatment.

How osteoporosis is diagnosed:
Diagnosis of osteoporosis is usually made by your doctor using:

• a complete medical history, including family history
• physical examination
• skeletal X-rays
• bone density test

What are prevention and treatment strategies for osteoporosis?
Currently, there are no proven methods of restoring lost bone, but there are treatment methods to reduce bone loss. Building strong bones through a healthy lifestyle before the age of 30, however, is the best defense against developing osteoporosis. This may include:

• adequate and appropriate exercise, particularly during growth and young adulthood, provides for future bone health.

• refraining from smoking and excessive amounts of alcohol which can increase bone loss.

• appropriate intake of calcium through diet or supplements. Vitamin D is also necessary because it facilitates the absorption of calcium.

• estrogen, alendronate and raloxifene are medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of osteoporosis.

Treatment for osteoporosis:
Consult your physician for the most appropriate treatment option for your individual condition.