Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that’s characterized by the loss of bone density. In other words, certain bones have decreased strength in comparison to other bones. Osteopenia is the precursor to osteoporosis; this is when bone strength has been lost but it’s not to the degree that calls for a label of osteoporosis. How does the decrease in bone density affect you? When bones are less dense, they aren’t as strong as they should be, which means they are more easily fractured. In this case, regular activities of daily life such as walking, or a small trip up a curb, may actually cause a broken bone. The main diagnostic tool is called a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA scan) and it estimates the density/strength of the bone and risk of fracture.

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in humans. The bones most commonly affected are the hips, wrists and spine, along with the pelvis and femur. It affects both men and women of all ages. Postmenopausal women should particularly pay attention to this aspect of their health as one of the major risk factors is the decrease in estrogen that occurs with menopause. Genetics play a role, as do lifestyle and hormone levels. Lifestyle elements that are important in the prevention of osteoporosis are appropriate levels of exercise (particularly weight training), proper levels of animal protein intake and a balanced diet supporting acid/base equilibrium, Vitamin D levels, smoking cessation and low levels of alcohol consumption.