Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes a loss of bone density, which increases your risk of fractures. Specifically, osteoporosis occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As osteoporosis progresses, bones become weaker and more likely to break.
Fractures from osteoporosis most commonly occur in the hip, wrist, or spine. These broken bones can have serious consequences like chronic pain, loss of height, or stooped posture from spinal fractures. Hip fractures, in particular, can be very serious and require hospitalization and major surgery.
Some key facts about osteoporosis:
- It often develops without any signs or symptoms until a fracture occurs
- It's more common in older adults, especially women past menopause
- Bone loss happens silently and progressively over years
- Risk factors include family history, being female, thin/small frame, advanced age, etc.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis. Here are some tips:
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D from foods or supplements
- Do regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
- Avoid smoking and excess alcohol
- Have medications reviewed to reduce fall risks
- Get a bone density test to check for osteoporosis
Treatment for osteoporosis focuses on preventing further bone loss and fractures. This can involve medications like bisphosphonates to slow bone loss, as well as lifestyle changes like proper nutrition and exercise programs designed to build bone mass.
The key is to build strong, dense bones while young to have reserves to draw from later in life. With proper early prevention and treatment if needed, it may be possible to slow the progression of bone loss from osteoporosis and maintain an active lifestyle.
For more information and personalized treatment, please visit Rejuvenate HRT Clinic.