Osteoporosis is a medical condition affecting the entire skeletal structure of the human body. It is a systemic disease causing weak, porous bones by decreasing bone mass and deteriorating the structure of the bone. The condition increases the possibility of fractures and breaks, especially in the senior population primarily found in the spinal column (vertebrae), forearm, and hip. The symptoms of fragile bones are typically non-existent until trauma occurs.
Treatment Options for Men and Women with Osteoporosis
According to the World Health Organization, women are more likely to develop fragile bones and lower bone mass associated with the disease. Women going through menopause or, surgeries including hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries) and oophorectomy (removal of just the ovaries) have lower estrogen levels making them vulnerable to the condition.
Statistics show that one out of five men experiences bone trauma related to weak, fragile bones with approximately 8,000 hip fractures requiring treatment caused by the disease. Screening for the condition is considered an essential part of a yearly physical exam for both men and women.
Effective Therapies that Work
Specific medications, vitamins, and minerals prove useful in treating and preventing bone loss. Both calcium and vitamin D supplementation is an effective treatment recommended for both men and women. When symptoms arise, proactive measures a person can incorporate into their daily routines are:
- No alcoholic beverages
- Quitting smoking
- Ensuring fall prevention
- Physical exercise
- Eating a balanced diet
Medications
Some symptoms indicate the need for bisphosphonates as prescribed by your doctor to decrease bone loss by elevating the body’s production of bone building material. Adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D must be present in the blood for bisphosphonates to work. Bisphosphonates are effective in preventing and treating osteoporosis. The following drugs comprise examples of bisphosphonates:
- Fosamax
- Boniva
- Actonel
Detecting Bone Loss
Bones are the framework for the human body, protecting the organs, and storing minerals like calcium and phosphorus vital for the development of bone. The only and most reliable indicator of bone loss is the BMD (bone mineral density) test. The following risk factors are listed to help you and your doctor detect bone loss:
- Estrogen deficiency
- Long-term antiseizure or corticosteroid drug therapy
- Family history of hip or other bone fractures
- Low BMI (body mass index)
- Anorexia nervosa
- Liver disease
- Menopausal women
- Widow’s hump causing a loss in height
- Caucasian or Asian race
- Lack of calcium in the diet
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
Are You at Risk?
A BMD using noninvasive dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is recommended for every woman at least 65 or more. Postmenopausal women who are below the age of 65 years who identify with any of the risks as mentioned above should also have a BMD test.
Benefits of a Proactive Lifestyle
Living a more active life results from better bone health. Managing your bone loss today effects in an improved quality of life while reducing the costly economic burdens on health care organizations. Quality care now helps to decrease medical visits, hospital admissions, and nursing home stays in the future.