Osteoporosis - Rejuvenate Clinic

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, leading to an increased risk of fractures. As we age, bone breakdown overtakes bone rebuilding, causing bones to lose density and become porous. This condition affects around 10 million Americans - 80% of cases occur in women due to hormonal changes after menopause.

The most common sites for osteoporotic fractures are the hip, spine, and wrist, though any bone can be affected. A minor bump or fall can cause a serious fracture when you have osteoporosis. These fractures can be life-changing - 1 in 5 patients dies within a year of suffering a hip fracture.

There are a few key risk factors to be aware of:

• Being female
• Advanced age
• Family history
• Being petite and thin
• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake
• Sedentary lifestyle

The good news is osteoporosis can often be prevented through healthy lifestyle measures:

• Weight-bearing exercise - this signals to the body to produce more bone cells. Examples include walking, jogging, tennis.
• Adequate calcium and vitamin D - dairy products, leafy greens, fatty fish, and supplements help strengthen bones.
• Quit smoking - smokers tend to have lower bone density.
• Limit alcohol - heavy drinking interferes with bone production.
• Fall prevention - reduce hazards at home to avoid painful fractures.

There are also effective medical treatments available. Your doctor may prescribe bisphosphonates to slow bone loss, along with calcium and vitamin D. In severe cases, they may recommend parathyroid hormone analogs to stimulate bone formation.

I hope this overview gives you a good understanding of this "silent disease" - while osteoporosis lacks symptoms, its impacts can be monumental. Contact Rejuvenate Clinic for more information on managing osteoporosis.