Osteoporosis
Introduction
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. It causes progressive bone loss and increases the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and the incidence increases with age. Bone loss from osteoporosis can lead to fractures and disability. The progression of osteoporosis may be reduced with treatments, including dietary changes, nutrition supplements, exercise, and medications.Anatomy
Your bones are live tissues. They change and grow like the other parts of your body. Most of the bones in your body are composed of the same layered materials.
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Am I at Risk
More women than men develop osteoporosis. The condition is more common in people that are Caucasian or Asian. Risk factors may increase your chance of developing osteoporosis. Risk factors include:
_____ Increasing age is a risk factor for osteoporosis. With aging, calcium and phosphate substances that make bones strong, are reabsorbed by the body causing bones to become weaker.
_____ Decreased estrogen levels in women after menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis.
_____ Lowered testosterone levels in men with aging increases the risk of osteoporosis.
_____ Excess corticosteroid production from Cushing’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism increases the risk of osteoporosis.
_____ Bone cancer may cause osteoporosis.
_____ Immobility or being confined to a bed may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.
_____ Osteopenia, abnormally low bone density, may lead to osteoporosis.
_____ People with a family history of osteoporosis have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
_____ Certain medications, such as steroids and anticonvulsants, can cause osteoporosis.
_____ Absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea) or early menopause may increase the risk of osteoporosis.
_____ Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of osteoporosis.
_____ Eating disorders and low body weight increase the risk of osteoporosis.
_____ A lack of calcium in your diet increases the risk of osteoporosis.