Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mass and its mechanical strength which causes susceptibility to cracking. It is the main cause of bone fractures in women after menopause and in old people in general. Livanys Mena Lombillo, Bachelor of Orthopedics and Traumatology, explains important issues on this topic.
When can this ailment start?
Osteoporosis does not have a well-defined beginning. The first visible sign of the disease was a fracture of the hip, wrist or vertebral bodies that originated pain or deformity.
What can cause osteoporosis?
Bones are subject to continuous remodeling through processes of formation and resorption, and also serve as a reservoir of calcium. From 35 years, the loss of small amounts of bone starts. Multiple diseases or lifestyle habits can increase bone loss leading to osteoporosis at an earlier age. Some women are predisposed to osteoporosis due to low bone mass in adulthood. Menopause is the main cause of osteoporosis in women, by decreasing estrogen levels. Estrogen loss by physiological menopause or the surgical removal of the ovaries causes rapid bone loss. Bone loss causes less resistance which easily leads to fractures of the wrist, spine and hip. Greater chance of developing osteoporosis is associated with early, natural or surgical menopause, drinking alcohol or caffeine, smoking, periods of detention of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), a low calcium diet for extended periods, especially during adolescence and youth. It is also important to point out that a sedentary life favors the onset of this disease.
How can women prevent this disease?
The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention. An adequate intake of calcium and physical activity during adolescence and youth can increase bone mass, which causes a reduction in bone loss and a lower risk of fracture in later years. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamins during maturity is essential for bone health. In situations of early menopause, women should take estrogen to prevent postmenopausal bone loss; you must add a progestin if the uterus is intact. Estrogen replacement is an effective treatment to prevent postmenopausal bone loss and is also effective in preventing osteoporotic fractures. Walking and extension exercises of the spine may stabilize or even slightly increase bone mass and improve muscle strength and balance, preventing falls and fractures. Vertebral fractures should be initially treated with rest, analgesics, lumbostato and rehabilitation. Other possible treatments currently under study include vitamin D, fluoride and parathyroid hormone.
