Cure and Prevention in Osteoporosis




















What is osteoporosis?
In osteoporosis, the bones become porous from inside due to the loss of calcium (see the picture below).

This is also called as bone mass loss. Over a period of time, this weakens the bones and makes them brittle and prone to breakage or fracture.

Osteoporosis is much more common in women than in men. This is because women have less bone mass than men, tend to live longer and take in less calcium. They need to take the female hormone estrogen to keep their bones strong. If men live long enough, they are also at risk of getting osteoporosis later in life.Once the total bone mass has peaked—around age 35—all adults start to lose it. In women, the rate of bone loss speeds up after menopause, when estrogen levels fall. Since the ovaries make estrogen, faster bone loss may also occur if both ovaries are removed by surgery.

What are the signs of osteoporosis?

It is difficult to identify as you may not know about it till it shows up with some serious signs. Signs include bone breakage, low back pain or a hunched back. You may also get shorter over time because osteoporosis can cause your vertebrae (the bones in your spine) to collapse. These problems tend to occur after a lot of bone calcium has already been lost.

Risk factors in Osteoporosis

Menopause before the age of48
Surgical removal of ovaries before menopause
Insufficient intake of Calcium
Inadequate exercise
By way of Inheritance
Slim body and small frame
Fair skinned
Hyper thyroidism
Usage of oral steroids

As listed above are the main risks for osteoporosis. The more of these that apply to you, the higher your risk is. Please consult family physician if you think that you are under these risk factors.

Will I need a bone density test?

Please consult your family physician. For many women, osteoporosis (or the risk of it) can be diagnosed without testing. When testing is appropriate, doctors use equipment that takes a “picture” of the bones to see if they are becoming porous.

What are some drugs that can be used for Osteoporosis?

Calcitonon : (some brand names: Calcimar, Miacalcin) is a hormone that helps prevent further bone loss and reduces the pain that some people have with osteoporosis. Calcitonin can be taken as a shot or as a nasal spray. Its most common side effect is nausea.

Ibandronate sodium: (brand name: Boniva) is a new drug that is taken once a month. It is not a hormone, but it slows bone loss and increases bone density. Some of the possible side effects include upset stomach, heartburn, nausea and diarrhea.

Alendronate & Risedronate : (brand name: Fosamax) and (brand name: Actonel) are not hormones, but are used to help prevent and treat osteoporosis. These drugs help reduce the risk of fractures by decreasing the rate of bone loss. Their most common side effect is stomach disorders.

Raloxifene : (brand name: Evista) is a drug used to prevent and treat osteoporosis by increasing bone density. It is not a hormone, but it mimics some of the effects of estrogen. Side effects may include hot flashes and a risk of blood clots.
Teriparatide : (brand name: Forteo) is a new injectable synthetic hormone used once a day for the treatment of osteoporosis. It causes new bone growth. Common side effects may include nausea, dizziness and leg cramps.

For all the above drugs listed must be taken after proper consultation of the Bone specialist or tour family physician.

How much calcium do I need?

Before menopause, you will need about 1g of calcium per day. After menopause, you will need to take 1 g of calcium per day if you're taking estrogen and 1.5 g of calcium per day if you're not taking estrogen. It’s usually best to try to get calcium from food. Nonfat and low-fat dairy products are good sources of calcium. Other sources of calcium include dried beans, sardines and broccoli.

If you still find that you are getting enough of calcium from the food that you eat, you Can consult family physician and can take calcium pill under advice. Take it at meal time or with a sip of milk. Vitamin D and lactose (the natural sugar in milk) help your body absorb the calcium.

Tips to keep bone strong

Proper Exercise
Eat Well Balanced diet with Calcium intake of 1 – 1.5g per day
Consult for preventive medicines for osteoporosis

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