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WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?

Basically defined, Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. It's the most common type of bone disease and effects approximately ten million American lives and another several million who have low bone mass which can lead to osteoporosis if not treated in time.

WHAT BONES NEED TO MAINTAIN STRENGTH:

In youth, a body needs calcium and phosphate to grow healthy bones and the lack of these minerals could create unhealthy bone tissue. As you age, the minerals may be reabsorbed into the body from the bones, but this can make the bone tissue brittle and more likely to fracture. This usually doesn't happen until later years, but it can happen in younger adulthood too with eally menopause.

WHAT CAUSES OSTEOPOROSIS?

The leading causes of osteoporosis are a drop in estrogen in women at the time of menopause and a drop in testosterone in men. Women get osteoporosis more often than men, because of this. My chemotherapy threw me into an instantaneous menopause, which put me at greater risk for the early stages of osteoporosis. Other causes include poor diet and nutrition.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Any bone pain or tenderness can be a signal for the early signs of osteroporosis. Usually the first symptom will be a fracture of the wrist or hip. There might be a noted loss of weight over time that can't be explained. Low back pain, and poor posture can also be indications, but some don't have any symptoms at all.

HOW OSTEOPOROSIS IS DIAGNOSED:

Bone density testing can measures how much bone you have. This test has become the most common initial step in diagnosis.

A CT scan of the spine can show loss of bone mineral density.
A spine or hip x-ray may show fracture or collapse of the spinal bones. However, Simple x-rays of bones are not always accurate.

A urinary calcium test can provide some evidence of the disease.

HOW OSTEOPOROSIS IS TREATED:

Treatment should address the need to control pain and slow down or stop the bone loss. If found in the early stages, treatment can prevent further bone loss through a variety of medications. Some doctors prescribe, "Alenoronate sodum," once a week. Medications including Bisphosphonates, Calcitonin, and hormone replacement therapy have also had positive effects. Each has it's own side effects so the risk should be discussed throughly with your physician.

CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS WITH VITAMIN D

My doctor recommended I take 1, 500 milligrams of calcium with vitamin D eveery day. The vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium more effectively. It's an effective method of treatment, but only in conjunction with prescribed medication.

EXERCISE AND DIET

Regular exercise can improve the strength of our bones, but any exercise that creates the risk of falling should be avoided. Slow but steady is the key.

The diet should include the proper amount of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Low-fat milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheese, tofu, salmon, sardines and leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and collard greens are the best diet to keep bones healthy and strong.

WHAT TO AVOID:

Smoking and alcohol use.

TO CONCLUDE:

Bone density is more important than you may think, and even if you believe you're too young to be tested for osteoporosis, think again. If your doctor hasn't mentioned it yet, ask to have a bone density test. It might save your quality of life.

Learn more about this author, Vicki Phipps.
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