Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a part of the natural aging process, where bone mass continuously decreases. It occurs in the post-menopausal ages between 50 and 75 years. The low estrogen level in the blood that occurs in menopause causes a loss of calcium in the bones. (accelerated loss of calcium with age) The bone structure is changing, ending in a skeletal deformity associated with a chronic muscular-skeletal pain. The body becomes shorter. In the case of advanced osteoporosis some vertebra are spontaneously broken and are very painful. At this age, hip and wrist fractures occur very often after a small accident.
Risk Factors
Caucasian women who are thin, small built, have blond hair, are in the early stages of menopause, and who smoke are most susceptible to osteoporosis.
Further risk factors are advanced age, prolonged bed rest, family history, alcoholism, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Diagnosis
The occurrence of fractures that have been caused by relatively low degree of trauma is a key in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. An X-ray and a test to measure bone mineral density verifies the presence of osteoporosis.
Treatment of Osteporosis:
* Once diagnosed, 1 1/2 grams of calcium per day is to be taken.
* Hormone replacement therapy
* Biphosphates or medications that stop the process of bone loss
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