Cause of Osteoporosis

Estrogen plays an important part in maintaining bone strength since it maintains low bone remodeling rates. There are two lines of cells for bone remodeling, the bone-eating cells (osteoclasts) and the bone-forming cells (osteoblasts). Without estrogen, the osteoclasts are favored and more bone is lost than laid down, resulting in thinning of the bone. Hence women past menopause are more prone to osteoporosis as their estrogen level decreases. Other causes for osteoporosis are:

Osteoporosis can be classified into two categories - primary and secondary. Primary osteoporosis is associated with bone loss, which is prevalent in older persons and post menopause women. Secondary osteoporosis results from chronic conditions that contribute significantly to accelerated bone loss. These chronic conditions may include

Osteoporosis Prevention
The following tips may help you prevent osteoporosis:

Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Often doctors and nurses term osteoporosis as the silent bone killer, since it is asymptomatic in most cases, except the fractures. Typical symptoms are joint aches and muscle aches. Advanced cases of osteoporosis may be characterized by:

Diagnosis of osteoporosis
Diagnosis of osteoporosis may include a series of tests such as bone densitometry (a bone density scan) performed by your physician. There are three types of bone density scans: dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), single photon absorptiometry (SPA), and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). The most common bone density scan is the DEXA. DEXA measures bone density based on how bone absorbs two sets of photons (atomic particles with no electrical charge) generated by an x-ray tube. Physicians prescribe that postmenopausal women under age 65 should have a bone density test if they have one or more of the risk factors for osteoporosis, such as low calcium intake, smoking, or minimal physical activity.

Osteoporosis treatment
Osteoporosis treatment aims to prevent fractures and increase the density of bones. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - This therapy is undertaken to restore estrogen to a pre-menopausal level. It aims to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal. HRT also helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. Some women may experience breast tenderness and nausea as side effects of the treatment. HRT can also increase the risk of developing breast cancer and uterine cancer, but the risk remains low. There are over 30 forms of HRT available as pills, patches, under-the-skin implants or gels. Apart from HRT, the other treatments for osteoporosis include calcium rich nutrients; weight bearing exercises and medications rich in Vitamin D. Vitamin D and calcium supplements are regularly used in treating osteoporosis.
SERM or Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators are hormone replacements that mimic the effect of oestrogen on the bones, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis. They slow down the rate at which bone is dissolved. Non-hormonal medicines such as bisphosphonates block the breakdown of bones.

Osteoporosis exercise
Regular exercise keeps your bone healthy and strong. It can go a long way in keeping osteoporosis at bay. Osteoporosis exercises include walking, jogging, hiking and dancing. Apart from bone density, these exercises also increase the strength, co-ordination and balance, thereby reducing the risk of falls. There are special exercise for spine, hips and wrists. Consult your physician before embarking on an exercise program. Running, skipping, aerobics, tennis and weight training are ideal osteoporosis exercises that can be undertaken thrice a week for at least 30 minutes. Weight training is known to have a positive effect in increasing bone mass and thereby preventing osteoporosis. The benefits of walking regularly cannot be discounted in preventing osteoporosis. A regular schedule of brisk walking for about 20 minutes 4 times a week is ideal for osteoporosis exercise. Walk briskly enough to become slightly short of breath.

A little puffing shows that you're working your body hard enough to improve your fitness. If you have certain lung, heart, or other medical conditions, you should consult your doctor about a safe level of activity Those leading a sedentary lifestyle are at greater risk of low bone mass and osteoporosis. Embarking on a regular exercise regimen, after consulting a physician can be your greatest insurance against bone loss and osteoporosis.