Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them easier to break. It develops when bone density and strength is lost over time. Osteoporosis mostly affects older adults, especially postmenopausal women, but it can happen at any age.
Key Facts
Osteoporosis develops when bone resorption outpaces bone formation. Normally, our bodies are continuously breaking down old bone and replacing it with new bone tissue. But with osteoporosis, more bone is removed than replaced, causing bones to become less dense.
What Causes Loss of Bone Density?
Helping to Prevent Osteoporosis
Early screening and detection of osteoporosis is key. A bone mineral density (BMD) test can diagnose osteoporosis before any fractures occur. Certain high-risk individuals should start getting this test done around age 65.
If osteoporosis is detected early, medications can be prescribed to help strengthen bones, like bisphosphonates or hormone therapy. These drugs can reduce fracture risk by 50-70% if taken properly under a doctor's care.
Making healthy lifestyle changes is also critical, like doing weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding bone-damaging behaviors like smoking and excessive drinking. With early detection and proper treatment, it's possible to maintain strong bones and prevent painful osteoporotic fractures.
For more information and professional medical advice, please consult with the experts at Vitality Medical.