by Kim Stairs

Created on: May 02, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

Not too many young women are concerned for their overall bone health while they are out enjoying their twenties and thirties. The choices they make today will or could have serious impacts on their bones in the not too distant future. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by porous bones (poor bone strength). Can be a result of poor lifestyle decisions or genetics.

The most at-risk population groups for Osteoporous are Caucasian and Asian females. Women with a family history (specifically on the maternal side) of this condition, small body composition, early menopause, and over the age of 65 are at a greater risk. After the age of 50, estrogen production begins to decrease affecting bone mass. Genetics play a role in approximately 80% of a woman's risk factors. Asian women may be at a slightly higher risk due to the fact that their diet is considerably lower in Calcium, along with lactose intolerance. Other risk factors include but are not limited to: low Calcium diet, decreased absorption of Calcium and Phosphorous, poor nutrition, certain medications, and hyper/hypothyroidism.

Women (and men) can prevent Osteoporosis with some conscious effort, and forethought of what they'd like to be in the future. Osteoporosis causes fractures in the hips, spine, and short bones. Not exciting if you want to be a healthy, on the go senior citizen. To keep bones healthy and at their best strength, try these prevention tips: increasing activity (which will help in bone remodeling), quiting smoking, decrease alcohol and caffeine consumption, increase vitamin D to help the GI tract absorb Calcium and Phosphorous. Men and women from the ages 51-70 should be getting 400 IU of Vitamin D in their diet. Men and women over 7Ishould be getting 600 IU of Vitamin D. Of course anytime there is a change in activity or nutrition always check with your primary care physician.

Another prevention is a Bone Density Scan. This is a noninvasive procedure that takes less than 15 minutes. This type of scan measures the density of the bone material. The less dense the bone, the weaker the bone is. Women who should talk to their doctor about getting a scan done are those takingcertain long term medications (like Heparin), post-menopausal before the age 65 with high risk factors, sixty-five and over, or have had a recent fracture of the hip or spine.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis are usually invisible until there is a bone fracture or cause for a Bone Density Scan.

Treatments can include: hormone replacement therapy, Calcium supplements, and medication. The hormone replacement therapy focuses on Estrogen. The most common pharmaceutical names are Premarin, Estrace, and Estradins. Progesterine is also usually prescribed to prevent cancer of the reproductive organs during hormone therapy. Calcium supplements should be supplying 1500mg for post-menopausal women who are not taking estrogen. Common medications prescribed today to treat Osteoporosis are: Boniva, Fosamax, Actonel, and Forteo. These medication are FDA approved to help treat and prevent the breakdown of bone.

Schedule an appointment today with you doctor if you feel you meet the high risk or gentic factors that contribute to Osteoporosis.

Learn more about this author, Kim Stairs.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.