Osteoporosis

In osteoporosis, the inside of the bones become porous. Over time, this weakens the bones and may make them more likely to break.

Osteoporosis is much more common in women than in men. This is because women have less bone mass than men, tend to lie longer and take in less calcium, and need the female hormone Estrogen to keep their bones strong. Once 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, bone loss may also occur if both ovaries are removed by surgery. If men live long enough, they are also at risk of getting osteoporosis later in life.

The key to preventing osteoporosis is building bone mass before you're 25 - then mainaining as much of it as possible by getting adequate calcium and weight-bearing exercise.

You may no know you have osteoporosis until you have serious signs. Sings include a broken wrist or hip, low back pain or hunched back. You may get shorter over time. This is because osteoporosis can cause the bones in your spine called vertebrae to collapse. These problems tend to occur after a lot of bone calcium has already been lost.

You need about 1,000 mg of calcium a day before menopause. The same amount is needed after menopause if you're taking Estrogen. You need 1,500 mg of calcium a day after menopause if you're not taking estrogen.

It is usually best to try to get calcium from food. Nonfat and low-fat dairy products (cheese, yogurt, milk) are good sources of calcium. Other sources of calcium include dried beans, sardines, and broccoli. About 300 mg of calcium is in each of the following: 1 cup of milk or yogurt; 2 cups of broccoli; 6-7 sardines.

If you don't get enough calcium from the food you eat, your personal care provider may suggest taking a calcium pill. 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.

 

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis