Osteoporosis is . . . .

• a loss of bone that occurs as we age

• responsible for over a million broken bones each year

• a major cause of fractures, back pain and spinal deformity

• caused most often by decreasing hormone levels, a low level of calcium, and lack of exercise

• most common in women.

What causes osteoporosis?

To understand what causes Osteoporosis, it’s important to know that our bones are actually a living tissue. All through our lives, old bone is constantly being replace by new bone. In young people, the bones become denser and stronger. But at around age 35, bone building no longer keeps up with bone loss.

This gradual weakening of bones may not cause problems in persons who have a strong bone mass. But when loss of bone density is so great that fractures occur easily, then the person is said to have Osteoporosis.

Loss of minerals from the bones is most often caused by:

• a diet that is too low in calcium and Vitamin D

• lack of exercise

• a decrease in the amount ofestrogen, a hormone that is involved in bone growth.

Osteoporosis is far more common in women. Twenty million of the 25 million Americans who have the condition are women. This is partly because they have less bone mass to begin with, and partly because of the sudden decrease in estrogen at menopause.

How do I know if I have it?

As Osteoporosis develops, it is most often painless, with no obvious symptoms. In many cases, the first sign is a fracture, most often of the hip, spine or wrist. A person with Osteoporosis may develop a noticeably curved spine (sometimes called a “dowager’s hump”). Another sign is a decrease of height, caused by loss of bone in the spine.

A physician can diagnose Osteoporosis through a physical examination, including X-rays and other tests of bone density. Laboratory tests measure the

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level of calcium and hormones in the body. And a family and personal health history is also part of the evaluation.

It is important to have Osteoporosis diagnosed early, so that measures can be taken to slow bone loss.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

These are some of the factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis:

• being a woman

• a family history of osteoporosis

• age: risk increases as we get older

• early menopause or removal of the ovaries

• inactive lifestyle

• low calcium intake

• small bones

• being underweight

• excess alcohol consumption

• smoking

• ethnic background (persons of Northern European or Asian

heritage are at higher risk than are African-Americans)

• use of certain prescription drugs, such as steroids,

anticonvulsant or thyroid medication

• frequent weight-loss dieting

• certain physical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease,

diabetes, or thyroid problems

How is osteoporosis treated?

For the most part, once bone has been lost, it can’t be replaced. So the goal in treating Osteoporosis is to maintain existing bone and to stop further loss.

Treatment usually includes: increasing exercise; ensuring an adequate calcium intake; and possibly beginning estrogen replacement therapy for women who have reached menopause- The physician may also prescribe other drugs to help the body take in more calcium. And physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and make fractures less likely.

This article was provided by Horizons/55, 20 East Ave., Lewiston. For more information on their programs please call 795-2905 or toll free 1-800-564-4555