Osteoporosis
POSTED August 23, 2010 - 17:48 | POSTED BY Anonymous
Last edited by Rakhi on August 23, 2010 - 17:49
Derived from the Latin for ‘porous bones’, osteoporosis is a progressive condition that diminishes the mineral content of the bones, making them weak and more susceptible to fractures. While the condition is typically prevalent in postmenopausal women, 25 percent of the men aged 60 and above, are also afflicted.
Causes
The decline in the estrogen (the prime female sex hormone) after menopause in the key factor associated with the rising rates of osteoporosis in older women. The hormone is typically responsible for keeping up the body’s calcium absorption levels, thus making bones strong.
The hormone is also present in males. A decline, similar to that in females, is also responsible for osteoporosis in men. However, as males have denser bones, a bone loss s generally less severe.
A sedentary lifestyle along with a diet low in calcium and other nutrients also perk-up the risk of fractures.
Prevention
Following a healthy and active lifestyle is the key to cut down the incidence of osteoporosis. An intake of a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D helps maintain the bone density. In addition, a regular weight-bearing exercise regimen (guided by a full fall-prevention advice) aids mobility and help strengthen bones. Cutting down on smoking and alcohol significantly reduces the risk of fragile fractures.
Symptoms:
-Severe backache or a fracture (mostly of the spine, hip or wrist)
-Gradual loss of height accompanied by the initially subtle development of a stooped posture.
-Dental X-ray may detect osteoporosis by revealing bone loss in the jaw.
Cures:
Depending upon the gender, a range of alternatives are available to treat osteoporosis.
Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment that involves the use of medications designed specifically to boost hormone levels. HRT may be administered orally or via patches, creams, troches, IUDs, vaginal rings, gels and sometimes (though rarely) though injections. The treatment is currently under scanner for association with increased risk of cancers.
Prescription medications: indeed the most sought way to control osteoporosis, prescription drugs help slow down the mineral bone density loss. The drugs may also increase bone density over time. Bisphosphonates, Raloxifene (Evista), Calcitonin, Teriparatide (Forteo) and Tamoxifen are among the well known and highly effective drugs.
