What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis progresses as a disease without symptoms. It is characterized by bone loss and deterioration of the skeleton, leading to bone fragility and increased risk of fractures. Scientifically, osteoporosis is defined as about 25 percent bone loss compared to a healthy young adult. Or, on a bone density test, it is 2.5 standard deviations below normal. Although everyone experiences some bone loss with age, few people realize that stooped posture and loss of height (greater than one or two inches) are caused by vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis.
Who Gets It?
Ten million Americans (men and women) have osteoporosis, and another 34 million have low bone mass placing them at increased risk of osteoporosis.
Is It Preventable?
Osteoporosis is a preventable disease for most people – if they take the necessary steps throughout their lives. Contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis is not a disease of old people. In fact, if preventive steps are not taken, bone loss can occur earlier in life, long before there are any symptoms of the disease.
How Can I Protect Myself?
- By eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
- By engaging in weight-bearing exercises
- By practicing a healthy lifestyle with no smoking and limited alcohol intake
- By having bone density testing and taking medication when appropriate
Prevention is important at all ages. However, at the time of menopause, these steps might not be enough. With menopause, women begin to lose bone mass at an accelerated rate as their estrogen levels fall. They can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years following menopause, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Thanks to advances in technology, it's never been easier to prevent, detect, and treat osteoporosis. Ask your healthcare provider about the medications available for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis, including bisphosphonates (alendronate and risedronate), calcitonin, estrogens, parathyroid hormone, and raloxifene. |
