OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break (fracture).

Causes

• Age:
  
  • Bone density naturally decreases with age.
• Gender: 
  • Women, especially postmenopausal women, are at higher risk.
• Family History:
  • A family history of osteoporosis increases risk.
• Hormonal Changes:
  
  • Lowered levels of Oestrogen in women and testosterone in men can affect bone density.
• Dietary Factors:
  • Low calcium and vitamin D intake, excessive alcohol consumption, and eating disorders can contribute to osteoporosis.
• Medications:
  • Long-term use of corticosteroids and other medications can affect bone health.
• Lifestyle:
  
  • Sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol use can increase risk.

Symptoms

• Bone Fractures:
  
  • Especially in the hip, spine, or wrist.
• Back Pain: 
  • Caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra.
• Loss of Height:
  
  • Over time, due to vertebral fractures.
• Hormonal Changes:
  
  • Lowered levels of Oestrogen in women and testosterone in men can affect bone density.
• Stooped Posture:
  
  • Kyphosis, or a hunched back.

Diagnosis

• Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan)
  
  • Measures bone mineral density.
• X-rays : 
  • To detect fractures.
• Loss of Height:
  
  • Over time, due to vertebral fractures.
• Blood and Urine Tests: 
  
  • To rule out other conditions and assess levels of calcium and vitamin D

Treatment Options

1. Medications:

• Bisphosphonates:
  
  • Such as alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronic acid, to slow bone loss.
• Hormone-Related Therapy:
  
  • Estrogen therapy for postmenopausal women or testosterone replacement for men.
• Denosumab :
  
  • A monoclonal antibody that slows bone loss.
• Teriparatide and Abaloparatide:
  
  • Medications that stimulate new bone growth.
• Raloxifene: 
  
  • Mimics estrogen’s beneficial effects on bone density.

2. Diet and Supplements:

• Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements:
  
  • Essential for bone health..
• Diet::
  
  • Rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

3. Exercise:

• Weight-Bearing Exercises:
  
  • Such as walking, jogging, and climbing stairs.
• Strength Training:
  
  • Lifting weights to strengthen muscles and bones.
• Balance Exercises :
  
  • To reduce the risk of falls.

5. Lifestyle Changes

• Quit Smoking: :
  
  • Smoking can accelerate bone loss
• Limit Alcohol:
  
  • Excessive alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium.

Prevention

• Adequate Calcium and Vitamin D Intake :
  
  • Through diet or supplements.
• Regular Exercise:
  
  • Including weight-bearing, strength training, and balance exercises.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
  
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Regular Bone Density Tests:
  
  • Especially for those at higher risk.

When to See a Doctor

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