What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone density and quality decrease. When bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fractures increases significantly. Bone loss occurs progressively and without symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis?
Because bone loss occurs gradually and painlessly, there are usually no symptoms indicating osteoporosis. This is one reason why osteoporosis is often referred to as a “silent disease.”
What are the risk factors for Osteoporosis?
Individuals with the following risk factors are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis:
-
Thin, small-boned frame
-
Bone fractures and spinal curvature in the elderly
-
Early estrogen deficiency in women who experience menopause before age 45
-
Advanced age in both men and women
-
Low calcium and vitamin D diet
-
Cigarette smoking
-
Excessive alcohol consumption
-
Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone)
-
Long-term use of seizure medications such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone, phenobarbital, and valproate
How is Osteoporosis treated?
-
The patient may need medications that help build bone and help prevent calcium resorption from bone.
-
Most often, the patient needs calcium and vitamin D supplements.
