Osteoporosis is a bone density disorder that can cause frequent fractures of the bones. It is primarily a disease that affects people over the age of 50. Individuals may not know they have osteoporosis because it may cause no symptoms in the early stages. A bone density test can detect whether osteoporosis is present in the body.
Among causes of Osteoporosis most common are:
- Sex – Women are more vulnerable to osteoporosis than men.
- Age – The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. Peak bone density occurs around the age of 30. You begin to lose bone density every year after this age.
- Body Size – Those who have a slight body frame are at greater risk for osteoporosis because they have less dense bones.
- Race – Individuals who are white or of Asian descent are at greater risk.
- Family History – Having a parent or a sibling that has osteoporosis increases your risk for also having it. If a family member has fractured a hip, it may indicate your increased risk for osteoporosis.
- Changes to hormones – After the age of menopause, women are more susceptible to developing osteoporosis. Thyroid disorders can also contribute to increased risk. Overactive adrenal glands and parathyroid glands can also increase your risk.
- Diet – Individuals who consume a diet that is lacking in calcium have increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Individuals who have had gastrointestinal surgery are also at increased risk. If you have an eating disorder, it could affect nutritional levels and cause increased risk of osteoporosis.
- Other medical conditions – Health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, liver disease, kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the risk of osteoporosis. Multiple myeloma and other forms of cancer can also increase risk.
- Medications – If you take steroid medications for a medical problem, you are at increased risk for osteoporosis. Medications for gastric reflux, seizures, cancer and those that prevent rejection of a transplant also increase your risk.
- Lifestyle – Certain lifestyle choices increase risk for osteoporosis, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle with little exercise.
How To Live Well With Osteoporosis
Regular visits to your doctor to monitor and treat your osteoporosis is important to your continued bone health. Taking bone health medications as prescribed, eating a healthy diet rich in vitamin D and calcium, regular exercise and refraining from smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming large of caffeine can help to ensure your bones stay strong.
Treatment Options:
Medications For Osteoporosis
A number of medications are available to increase bone strength and avoid the bone breaks that can occur with osteoporosis. These include Fosamax (alendronate), Boniva (ibandronate), Actonel (risedronate) and Reclast (zoledronic acid). Some of these medications are given in pill form, while others are administered through injection or IV infusion. Your physician will determine the right medication for you.
Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamin D is a critical element for bone health. Many individuals, particularly in northern areas, do not get sufficient vitamin D from sunlight exposure and could benefit from supplementation with vitamin D. However, excessive amounts of vitamin D are not recommended. If you do not get sufficient calcium from dairy products or other foods, taking a supplement may be helpful if your doctor recommends it. Magnesium, boron and vitamin K are other supplements that may be prescribed to support other osteoporosis treatments.
HRT For Osteoporosis
Hormone replacement therapy, often called HRT, is sometimes used as a treatment for osteoporosis. Female hormones like estrogen have a protective effect on bone health, and after menopause when hormone levels drop significantly, decreased bone density may be a problem. Your doctor will check your hormone levels to determine if hormone replacement therapy would be helpful for treating your osteoporosis.
Lifestyle Changes
Changes in lifestyle can help to support treatm ent of osteoporosis. A diet that is rich in bone-building vitamins and minerals can help to reduce the risk of bone fractures. Consuming foods rich in calcium, such as low-fat dairy products, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, salmon and calcium-fortified foods like orange juice and cereals, can be helpful. Vitamin D helps the body metabolize calcium, so consumption of foods like eggs, liver and milk is also recommended.
Regular exercise is an important part of managing osteoporosis. Low-impact activities such as hiking, walking, light jogging, biking and swimming helps to strengthen bones. High-impact activities, such as running or jumping actions are not recommended if you have osteoporosis. However, strength training with moderate weights can help to build bones. Exercises that improve balance help seniors to avoid falls.
Minimizing the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine can improve your bone health. Improving lighting in your home, removing clutter than could cause a fall, installing handrails in bath and stair areas and making sure carpets are securely fastened to the floor can help seniors avoid falls in their homes.
Is Osteoporosis Fatal?
Osteoporosis does not lead to fatal health consequences in itself. It is the bones fractures that can occur as a result of the condition that can cause a variety of dangerous conditions. Older individuals who have experienced a fall may sustain broken bones that require surgery, which can expose them to specific risks, such as excessive bleeding, blood clots, anesthesia reactions, heart attacks and stroke. Recovery from a broken hip or other bone can be difficult for older people who may experience increasing health issues during their convalescence. Inactivity itself can increase the risk for certain health conditions. The better strategy is to treat the osteoporosis that can lead to bone fragility.
Osteoporosis can cause serious health consequences for the elderly, who often break bones in falls, due to poor muscle strength, impaired vision and unsteady balance. Fortunately, osteoporosis can be effectively treated with a number of methods to help individuals maintain healthy bones. Contact our office today for an appointment to learn about treatments for maintaining your bone health.
