Osteoporosis is undoubtedly a debilitating disease, however, according to experts it is highly preventable.
Osteoporosis is a disease affecting our bone. It causes the bones to become structurally weak, which leads to a low bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue, bone fragility and an increase risk for fractures. The most vulnerable bones to fractures are the hip bone, vertebrae (spine) and wrist.
According to estimates, only in America over 28 million people over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis. This disease is also responsible for the more than 1.5 million fractures. It strikes one in two American women and one in four American men every year.
Due to the fact that osteoporosis is a silent disease, most people are not aware that they have it and show no warning signs or symptoms until a fracture takes place. Particularly women are at greater risk of developing this disease. And despite the fact that osteoporosis usually affects people over 50, it can occur at any age.
OSTEOPOROSIS IN WOMEN
Women are more subject to osteoporosis than men- around 80% of all osteoporosis cases occur in women. But men also suffer from this disease- their risk for this disease doubles after the age of 70.
Women develop osteoporosis more often than men due to genetic factors. Men are genetically stronger and hence their bones are stronger; women’s bones are relatively thinner and weaker.
Osteoporosis affects more women also due to a reduced estrogen levels brought about by menopause. In menopause, the estrogen levels naturally slow down and this decreases the body’s capability of incorporating calcium from the blood to the bones. And this is what makes the bones weaker.
As it was mentioned above, osteoporosis usually appears suddenly, without any warning. A person realizes he/she has osteoporosis only after getting fracture. By this time however, the bones have already become extremely weak and porous. So then how do we find out if we have osteoporosis?
The best way to check if you have osteoporosis is to have a bone density test known as “Bone Mass Measurement”. This test will help you determine the density of the bones at various places in the body.
This test is able to:
- detect osteoporosis before getting a fracture
- determines the rate of bone loss
- predicts a person’s likelihood of having a fracture.
An easier way to see if you have osteoporosis is to check and see if you fall into its risk category.
PEOPLE WHO ARE AT GREAT RISK OF HAVING OSTEOPOROSIS INCLUDE:
* If you are 50 years old or older
* A history of fractures after the age of 50.
* Current low bone mass
* History of fractures in a close blood relative (Family history)
* If you are a woman
* Having a thin or small skeletal frame
* Are undergoing menopause
* Abnormal or absent menstrual periods
* Anorexia
* A low calcium intake
* A shortage of Vitamin D
* Use of certain drugs such as corticosteroids or anticonvulsant’s
* Low levels of testosterone, especially in men
* Lack of physical activity
* Being a smoker
* Excessive alcohol drinking
* And being Caucasian or Asian. However, osteoporosis also affects African and Hispanic people as well.
Women undergoing menopause can lose up to 20 per cent of their bone mass in the first 5 to 7 years following menopause. That’s why women must be very careful and look after their bones.
TWO KINDS OF OSTEOPOROSIS; Primary Osteoporosis and Secondary Osteoporosis.
Primary Osteoporosis is divided into 2 types; Type I & Type II.
- Type I Primary Osteoporosis affects 5 to 20% of women between 50 and 75 years of age due to the instant reduction in estrogen level due to menopause. Type I Primary Osteoporosis is also known as high turnover osteoporosis, due to the sudden and sharp decrease in estrogen levels. It results in an abrupt decline in the calcium levels of the body. Vertebrae or spinal fractures, along with wrist, hip and forearm fractures are normally consequences of Type I Primary Osteoporosis. These fractures affect most frequently women.
- Type II Primary Osteoporosis is a result of the body’s own inability to reabsorb calcium. When this takes place bones are no longer strengthen and are more susceptible to fractures. This type of osteoporosis is also known as low turnover osteoporosis. It strikes both men and women and is usually connected with leg and spinal fractures.
- Secondary Osteoporosis appears due to hormonal imbalances, illness or taking medicines. Drugs such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsant’s weaken the bones and make them more at risk for fractures.
