Osteoporosis, or weakening of the bones, has few early signs and symptoms. Many people only discover they have it after they break a bone in a fall, or even something as simple as bumping into furniture. According to Lisa Arian, MD, senior medical director
at Sharp Health Plan, the risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture is greater than the risks of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke combined.
Osteoporosis is not always a natural part of aging
Your bones are in a constant state of renewal — new bone is made and old bone is broken down. When you're young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone and your bone mass increases. After the early 20s this process slows, and
most people reach their peak bone mass by age 30. As people age, bone mass is lost faster than it's created.
There are 2 kinds of osteoporosis:
- Primary osteoporosis is caused by the normal process of aging, menopause (permanent end of menstrual cycles), or both.
- Secondary osteoporosis can start as a side effect of certain conditions or medicines. This includes medicine used to treat cancer, such as chemotherapy and endocrine therapy and steroids which are used to treat autoimmune diseases.
This kind of osteoporosis may get better once you stop taking the medicine that causes it.
How likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends partly on how much bone mass you built in your youth.
While more than 54 million Americans live with osteoporosis, Dr. Arian stresses that osteoporosis is not always a natural part of aging. Risk factors include your age, race, lifestyle choices, medical conditions and treatments. Causes of osteoporosis
can include menopause, family history, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, lack of physical exercise and tobacco use.
Bone fractures and breaks may bethe first sign
A fracture of the hip, wrist or spine is often the first sign of osteoporosis. The most common first fracture is a compression fracture in the spine. The disease changes the structure of the bone and can lead to a stooped or hunched posture.
How to prevent osteoporosis
Regular exercise not only builds muscle, but it also strengthens bones. In fact, thirty minutes of weighted or resistance exercise three days a week can help support healthy bone density.
Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins C, D, and K can also help prevent osteoporosis. These vitamins and minerals are found in many foods and dairy products. Calcium is also found in fish, dark green leafy vegetables (especially broccoli and kale),
tomatoes and peppers. Osteoporosis can be preventable, treatable and often reversible. Dr. Arian stresses that diagnosis and management is a life-saving service. The best way to assess risk of osteoporosis is to have a bone density test. A bone density
test is one of the easiest types of tests. Talk with your doctor about whether a bone density test is right for you or a loved one.
Source: Sharp Health News