Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It occurs when the body loses too much bone mass or makes too little bone. This leads to bones becoming porous, fragile, and more likely to break. Osteoporosis can affect both men and women, but it is most common in postmenopausal women due to decreased estrogen levels. Some key facts about osteoporosis:
- It often develops slowly over many years without symptoms until a bone breaks. This is why it is called a "silent disease."
- The bones most commonly affected are the hips, spine, and wrists. These fractures can be very painful and limit mobility.
- Risk factors include getting older, family history, smoking, low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, and lack of exercise.
What causes osteoporosis?
Our bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt. Osteoporosis occurs when the body removes more bone than it replaces. As we age, bone density naturally decreases as the body's ability to form new bone can't keep up with the removal of old bone. In women, bone loss increases dramatically at menopause due to declining estrogen levels.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Often the first sign is a broken bone from minimal trauma. A DXA bone density scan can precisely measure bone mineral density and diagnose osteoporosis. The scan uses very low levels of X-ray beams to determine the density of the bones being tested, usually the hip and spine.
How is osteoporosis treated?
The key goals are to prevent bone fractures and maintain bone health. Strategies include:
- Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D to promote new bone growth. Supplements may be needed.
- Prescription medications like bisphosphonates that slow bone loss.
- Exercise, especially weight-bearing activities like walking, jogging, and strength training to stimulate bone-building.
- Fall prevention to avoid fractures. This may involve removing tripping hazards and using assistive devices.
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol to avoid further bone loss.
- Treating underlying issues such as nutritional deficiencies.
Maintaining healthy bones
The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to build strong bones when you're young and maintain bone strength. Try these tips:
- Eat a nutritious diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D. Dairy products are excellent calcium sources.
- Get regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Have any medications or underlying conditions that can cause bone loss evaluated.
- Get a baseline bone density test at age 65.
Don't ignore osteoporosis - speak to your doctor if you have concerns. The experts at The Hormone Hub can assess your risk and recommend an integrative treatment plan involving nutrition, exercise, and hormone optimization to keep your bones strong! Call today to schedule a consultation.