Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the skeleton becomes excessively fragile resulting in bones that break easily. It is due to a combination of factors that include genetics, diet, hormones, age and lifestyle. It is the primary cause of hip fracture, which can lead to permanent disability. Osteoporosis can cause the spine to collapse producing stooped posture and a "dowager's hump". Even the simplest things such as stepping off a curb, bending to pick something up, or even sneezing can cause fragile bones to break. The chronic pain and anxiety that occurs often cause people to stop activities that contribute to a meaningful life.
Osteoporosis threatens 25 million Americans, mostly older women, however older men are also at risk. Women today live 30 years or more beyond menopause. One of the goals of modern health care is to improve the quality of those years. We no longer wait until bones break to diagnose and treat this disease. Presently, there is no cure for osteoporosis but onset can be delayed and its severity decreased by early detection and treatment. Most importantly, early treatment can prevent harmful fractures.
We tend to think of the skeleton as an unchanging frame that holds our bodies up
and does nothing much else. In reality the bones of the skeleton are in a constant state
of change. Bones respond to the pressure of muscles and gravity by renewing and repairing
themselves. The bones of the skeleton also act as a reservoir for minerals-especially
calcium. When needed by the body the bones release calcium, This release is regulated by a
complex interplay of hormones.
As a result of menopause less of the hormone estrogen is produced and bone breakdown can increase dramatically. Because of the changes that occur at menopause many physicians feel it is a suitable time to measure bone density. The best way to determine the risk for bone fractures is to determine bone density. Your doctor will evaluate your age, sex, body size, medical history and risk factors to determine if this test is appropriate.
Medical research is currently looking for the best ways to deal with osteoporosis
and its effects. Currently hormone replacement therapy, proper nutrition and dietary
supplements, and developing and maintaining healthy habits including physical activity
remain our best defense. 
Bone density testing is useful for confirming a diagnosis of osteoporosis. This is appropriate, especially if a patient shows symptoms of a suspicious fracture or is at high risk for fractures. Detecting low bone density is the best way your physician can recommend preventative steps.
Accurate readings repeated at intervals of a year or more can determine the rate of bone loss and will help monitor your treatments effectiveness. However, it is suggested that you be tested at the same facility and with the same machine type, as different machines use different measurement methods.
Treatment Options
Under the FDA guidelines, drugs to treat
osteoporosis must be shown to preserve or
increase bone mass and maintain bone quality in order
to reduce the risk of fractures. Estrogen still remains the first choice for women to
consider. This hormone prevents heart disease as well as protecting against osteoporosis.
Estrogen replacement therapy is the best prevention for the drop in bone mass at
menopause, but for some women there are certain dangers that may occur. It may increase
the risk of certain cancers and other diseases. Based on your personal family history,
your physician can best advise you with the correct choice for you.
In some instances estrogen may be given in conjunction with another female hormone, progesterone. This hormone has been known in some cases to cause undesirable side effects. You should always weigh the risks and benefits of such treatment and discuss it with your physician. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a woman's risk of developing a hip fracture is comparatively equal to her combined risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
Calcitonin treatment is an option that may be considered. This hormone, which is responsible for regulating the level of calcium in the blood, was approved as a nasal spray by the FDA last summer. Miacalcin, the synthetic version of this hormone, has been shown to slow and reverse bone loss. One of the most popular drugs today which has now been approved by the FDA is a non-hormonal treatment for osteoporosis, known as Fosamax. Clinical trials have shown that this drug has been known to increase bone mass as much as 8% and reduce fractures as much as 30-40%.
Drugs Are Not Enough
Calcium and vitamin D supplements are an
essential part of all treatments for osteoporosis. Attention to diet and exercise are
equally important, not only for treatment but also for prevention of osteoporosis. 
Even though calcium is critical, it cannot
build bone alone, and without vitamin D, the calcium cannot be absorbed. Most of us get
enough vitamin D as the skin produces it in sunlight, with the exception of people who are
confined to indoors and who maintain a poor diet. Essentially, in order to reduce the risk
of fractures, physical fitness is a requirement. Certain exercises such as brisk walking
for 30 minutes per day five days a week, biking, skipping or weight-bearing exercises also
help to maintain and build strong bones. This increases better balance, muscle strength,
more agility as well as enhancing psychological and cardiovascular benefits.
Most women get much less calcium than they need, even as little as half the amount required for healthy strong bones. Nutritionists recommend obtaining your calcium needs with foods rich in calcium. In order to have healthy bones which require a lot of nutrients, you're likely to get most of your calcium in dairy products. With so many low-fat and nonfat dairy products available, it is easy to make dairy foods an integral part of your diet.
Several other calcium options are available such as orange juice fortified with calcium or calcium supplements. Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli or kale are also high in calcium. Other sources are tofu, canned fish (eaten with bones), and fortified bread and cereal products.
Even though the FDA's daily value for calcium is 1,000 mg's, your calcium need may be greater. Up to 2,000 mg's of calcium per day seem to be safe for most people, but if you are at risk for kidney stones, you should discuss calcium supplements with your doctor first.
Tips To Remember
Who are these individuals?
Speak to your physician to schedule a test 
