Title: Osteoporosis: How it Develops and Who it Impacts

Osteoporosis: How it Develops and Who it Affects

Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by the loss of minerals like calcium, leading to low bone density and abnormally porous bone. Bones are more brittle and prone to fractures, commonly in the hips, spine, and wrists, though fractures can occur anywhere. In Australia, one-half of women and one-third of men over age 60 will have an osteoporotic fracture.

Bone Density:

Genetic factors determine bone density, but it can also be influenced by environmental factors and some medications. A person's bone density develops during childhood and reaches its peak around age 25. This peak level is maintained for ten years. After 35, people begin to lose bone density at a rate of .3% to .5% per year; this is a normal consequence of the aging process.

Oestrogen is important to maintaining bone density. After menopause, women begin to lose bone much more quickly, especially in the first five to ten years. It's common to lose between 1% and 5% of bone per annum after menopause. This accelerated bone loss is a primary factor of women's development of osteoporosis.

Men tend to lose less bone as they age. When they do experience fractures, however, men have a higher likelihood of disability or death than do women.

Environmental Factors:

Osteoporosis is not wholly determined by genetics; environmental factors – those in our control – are also very important. People are more likely to develop the disease if they smoke, imbibe alcohol excessively, don't exercise, eat a diet lacking in calcium, generally have poor nutrition and absorption of nutrients, and are deficient in vitamin D.

Impact of Other Diseases:

Other diseases and the medications used to treat them can also cause osteoporosis. Low oestrogen levels, anorexia, hyperthyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism can all contribute to the development of the disease. So, too, can chronic inflammation as well as immobility brought on from a stroke or other illness. Long-term use of medications such as heparin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and oral corticosteroids can also contribute.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

People with osteoporosis can go years without knowing that anything is wrong. The most prevalent symptom of osteoporosis is a bone fracture, which can go unnoticed. It's not until patients experience a painful bone fracture that the condition comes to light. X-rays can detect the disease, but only after bones begin to look thin and light due to having lost up to 30% of bone density. X-ray machines are not a consistent diagnosis tool, however a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan is a much more accurate gauge of bone density measurement.

Preventative Measures and Treatments:

People can help prevent the development of osteoporosis by eating healthily, exercising, refraining from smoking, refraining from excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, and maintaining sufficient calcium and vitamin D levels.
Osteoporosis treatment will work on the cells that break down or build bone. They can reduce bone loss and improve bone density. There are several types of medication available, which work in slightly different ways:

• Bisphosphonates
• Strontium ranelate
• Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)

Unfortunately there is no way to guarantee one won't develop osteoporosis, especially if it's common in one's family. However, awareness of the symptoms and risk factors can lead to early diagnosis, better management of the disease, and improved quality of life.