What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass that causes fragile bones. People with osteoporosis are more likely to experience bone fractures or breaks. Unfortunately, most people do not realize they have osteoporosis until they fracture a bone. The bones most likely to be affected are the spine, wrists, and hips. While treatment options for osteoporosis are available, prevention is the best way to avoid bone fractures later in life.

Am I at Risk for Osteoporosis?

Inadequate calcium
Your body needs calcium for a variety of functions. When you don't get enough calcium from your food, it is pulled from your bones, which consequently become weak. Even if you eat enough calcium to support body functions, it may not be enough for strong bone development.

Tobacco use
Using tobacco products, throughout adolescence or as an adult, can prevent the formation of dense bones.

Lack of weight-bearing exercise
Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or weight lifting, helps to build dense bones.

Being underweight
People who are underweight have trouble depositing calcium into their bones.

Loss of menstruation and menopause
Women who stop menstruating , either due to menopause or other reasons such as malnutrition rapid weight loss, or excessive exercise, are at a greater risk due to low estrogen levels.

Two or more alcoholic beverages a day
Those who drink alcohol are less likely to get the nutrition they need.

Gender
Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Women typically have smaller bones than men and lose bone mass quickly in the absence of adequate estrogen levels. However, men are still at risk for developing osteoporosis, especially as they continue to age. <

Race
Asian and Caucasian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis.

Heredity
People with a family history of osteoporosis are more likely to develop it due to genetics and because of the increased likelihood of having a similar frame size and lifestyle habits.

Age
Bones become weaker and less dense with age. Bone loss begins as early as 35 and increases after 50.

Certain medications
Use of thyroid medications, steroids, and other drugs can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about how the medications you are taking may affect your risk.

How do I know if I Have Osteoporosis?

Talk with your healthcre provider about getting tested if you experience a bone fracture or have one or more risk factors. You may be asked to have mineral density test to determine the strength of your bones. Pre-osteoporosis, or osteopenia, can be detected as well. Unfortunately, most people find out that they have osteoporosis after they fracture a bone, so it is important to determine your risk of developing osteoporosis before it progresses.

There are no early symptoms of osteoporosis. Later symptoms include back pain, loss of height, stooped posture, a curved upper back, and bone fractures. To schedule an appointment with a UHS healthcare provider call 471-4955.

How is Osteoporosis Treated?

The goals of osteoporosis treatment are to prevent further bone loss and increase bone density as much as possible. Treatment includes:

• Increasing calcium and vitamin D
• Weight gain, if necessary
• Weight bearing exercise
• Smoking cessation
• Medications as appropriate to encourage calcium deposit into the bones. Oral contraceptives (birth control) are sometimes used in pre-menopausal women to increase estrogen levels.

How Can I Prevent Osteoporosis?

Taking care of your bones when you are young is necessary for strong bones in the future.
Consider these suggestions for preventing osteoporosis:

Consume calcium rich foods.
Aim for 1000-1500 mg per day for bone maintenance. More may be needed to replenish calcium or for bone repair. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, tofu, almonds, green leafy vegetables, canned salmon with the bones, and calcium fortified products such as soy milk or certain brands of orange juice and bread. Click below for the calcium content of these foods.