Common
Problems of Bone Health
Please
note: The information contained in these pages is for information only
and should not be used for self diagnosis. Anyone suffering from
illness or who has concerns about any health issue should always consult
their medical practitioner for proper diagnosis, advice and guidance.
Osteoporosis
(top)
Bones which become excessively de-mineralised and lose calcium over
a prolonged period may become thin, brittle, and porous - a condition
called osteoporosis - which means literally 'porous bone'. In osteoporosis,
the density and strength of our bones is reduced, making them less able
to withstand knocks and shocks without damage.
Who
Is At Risk Of Osteoporosis?(top)
Osteoporosis generally affects women more commonly than men, but can
be a serious condition in both sexes. In women, post-menopausal osteoporosis
is the most common form, and occurs as women lose ovarian hormones.
Some women may take Hormone Replacement Therapy to help reduce hormone
induced bone loss.
Anyone
concerned with osteoporosis should always consult their health professional
for advice, diagnosis and guidance. Your health professional may then
check to see if you have any specific risk factors
for osteoporosis. Particular things they might be interested in are
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Low weight and body mass index
- Age and gender
- Smoking
- History of prior fracture
- Hormone deficiency eg Oestrogen
in women or testosterone in men
It
is estimated that in the UK 1 in 3 women over the age of 50 will suffer
from Osteoporosis, and one in 12 men.
A measure of the
extent and seriousness of the type of fractures caused by osteoporosis
can be gained from looking at the incidence of hip fractures :- The
lifetime risk of a hip fracture in women is 15% and 5% in men. This
means that in every hundred women, 15 will suffer a hip fracture at
some point in their life, and in every hundred men, 5 will suffer a
hip fracture at some point in their life.
Why Does Osteoporosis Affect Women More Than Men?(top)
There are many factors that relate to the cause of osteoporosis, and
one of the big factors is genetic. Males are genetically programmed
to build stronger bones. Osteoporosis commonly occurs right after menopause
for women because oestrogen levels naturally drop. The drop in oestrogen
levels affects the body's ability to incorporate calcium from the blood
to the bone.
Oestrogen and
progesterone decrease in menopause. These two hormones are key to bone
health because oestrogen suppresses the osteoclasts which slows down
the rate at which bone is resorbed while progesterone stimulates osteoblasts,
promoting the formation of new bone. When oestrogen is lost it increases
the rate at which calcium is lost from the body.
Osteoporosis Prevention (top)
The best long term approach to osteoporosis is prevention. If Children
and young adults (particularly women) have a good diet and take in enough
calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D and other minerals whilst also getting
plenty of exercise, they will be much more likely to build and maintain
bone mass later in life.
Maintaining
an adequate intake of these nutrients in later life also helps to maintain
bone density and minimise bone loss.
Where
a significant number of risk factors for osteoporosis are present a
physician may prescribe a medication such as HRT. If you are concerned
about your own risk, please discuss your situation with your health
professional.
|
