Osteoporosis - by Henry Zuniga, MD

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Osteoporosis

Written by: Henry Zuniga, MD

Osteoporosis is a thinning bone disease which is a silent condition that affects over 25 million Americans, most of them women. All women lose some bone as they age, but people with osteoporosis lose an excessive amount. Their bones become fragile and weak to the point where even a minor fall can result in a fracture.

Some 25 million Americans, 85% of them women, have osteoporosis. It is also affecting men in increasing numbers. A woman's risk of hip fracture is equal to the combined lifetime risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. A hip fracture is more serious than most women realize. The frequency of hip fracture in women

is three times that in men. Many women lose the ability to walk independently. Approximately 50% never fully recover, and up to 1/3 become totally dependent. Within a year of a hip fracture, the risk of a patient dying is up to 20% greater than people in the same age and gender who have not suffered a fracture.

The following factors may add to the risk
of osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis is most common after menopause.
A family history of osteoporosis, which includes older relatives who have had fractures, stooped poster, or have lost height.
Early menopause before the age of 45
A previous broken bone that may have been the result of Osteoporosis.
Thin or small build
Use of certain medications, such as steroids and thyroid hormones.
Smoking and alcohol abuse also predispose females to osteoporosis.
Lack of exercise
Low amount of calcium intake are also associated.

It is important to remember that even if none of these factors are present, osteoporosis can still develop. Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are several things you can do to prevent further bone loss. Exercise that forces the body to work against gravity: such as walking, aerobics, dancing and team sports strengthen bones. Active people also have greater muscle strength, making them less likely to fall or suffer as much injury as people who do not exercise. It is important to get proper amounts of Calcium and Vitamin D.

If you are a pre-menopausal woman over age 25 or post-menopausal woman on hormone therapy, you body needs 1000 mg of calcium a day. For reference, a glass of milk contains about 300 mg of calcium. If you are post-menopausal and not on hormone therapy or if you are over age 65, you should be getting about 1,500 mg a day. Your body also needs adequate amount of Vitamin D. It is important to talk to your doctor or health care provider at The Woman's Wellness Center to determine whether you should take Calcium or Vitamin D supplements. The discontinuation of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may help prevent further bone loss. Researchers have found links between smoking and alcohol and loss of bone.

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