What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis
is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration
of bone density. Simply stated, osteoporosis is a thinning and weakening
of the bones that happens as we age. This process leads to bone
fragility and increased fracture rates.
These fractures have a major impact on quality of life leading to pain,
deformity, and long-term disability for many patients. Many times there
are no warning signs for this disease; many who are affected are not aware
of the thinning taking place in their bones until a fracture occurs. Women
are generally at greater risk for developing osteoporosis than men because
of the effect of menopause on the skeleton. The decrease in estrogen
production during menopause can contribute to accelerated bone loss.
However, osteoporosis does not just affect older women – it
can affect men and women of all ages.
The good news is that we can prevent and treat this disease. Recent
advances in medication and an understanding of the wide array of conditions
that may add to the risk of osteoporosis are helping physicians and their
patients in the battle against this disease. We are able to accurately
measure bone density with a DXA test (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry)
and FDA approved therapies have been proven to reduce fracture risk including
estrogen, PTH, bisphosphanates (Fosamax or Actonel), and calcitonin, (Calcimar,
Miacalcin). Today, we can help prevent this disease, halt its progress,
and in some cases, even reverse it effects.
Photos courtesy of the National Osteoporosis Foundation
