What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes thinning and weakening of normal bone due to loss of calcium.
Once total bone mass has peaked—around the age of 35—adults experience osteoporosis. It may also be detected in younger people though.
It is more common for women than men. For women, the rate of bone loss speeds up after menopause, when estrogen levels fall.
Are you at risk?
The followings factors increase the risk of osteoporosis:
- Age
- Surgery to remove ovaries
- Not getting enough calcium
- Not getting enough exercise
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Osteoporosis in your family
- Hyperthyrodism
- Long-term use of oral steroids
What are the signs of Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis may not be detected unless severe symptoms are shown. They include broken bones, low back pain or a hunched back. One may also get shorter over time because osteoporosis may cause the vertebrae (the bones in your spine) to collapse. These problems tend to occur after a great loss of bone calcium.
How to prevent/treat Osteoporosis?
Before menopause, about 1,000 mg of calcium is needed per day. After menopause, women
need 1,000 mg of calcium per day if they are taking estrogen, and 1,500 mg if not.
If one doesn't get enough calcium from food, a doctor may suggest taking a calcium pill, which should be taken it at mealtime or with a sip of milk. Vitamin D and lactose (the natural sugar in milk) help the body absorb the calcium.
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