::... GYNAECOLOGY - Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis means porous bones. Bones affected by osteoporosis are less dense than normal bones. They are also more likely to break, as a result of a minor bump or fall, or even without an injury.

One may complain of pain at bones at primary stage of osteoporosis. However, most people affected are unaware that their bones are thinning until they break one. Therefore osteoporosis is sometimes called the "silent disease". Hip and wrist fractures are the most common breakages, but they can occur in any bone. Osteoporosis can result in small fractures in the bones of your spine, causing a loss of height and a curved back (sometimes known as "dowager's hump"). This can lead to long-lasting neck and back pain.

Healthy bone consists of a strong mesh made of protein and minerals (particularly calcium). This mesh is living tissue that is constantly being renewed in a process called bone turnover. Old, worn out bone is broken down and absorbed by the body while, at the same time, new bone tissue is created from fresh protein and minerals.

In children and young people, more new bone is created than is broken down. This makes bones bigger and more dense. Bones are at their strongest when peak bone mass is reached, which usually happens in mid-twenties. This is maintained for about ten years, with roughly equal amounts of bone creation and breakdown. After the age of about 35, bone loss begins to overtake creation as part of the normal ageing process. In case of osteoporosis, due to dietary deficiency of calcium or due to hormonal changes, this process happens much more quickly, making bones become weaker and more prone to fracture.

• Age over 60 years . The risk increase with age.
• Women at menopause (There are hormonal
  changes at menopause, which result in to
  lesser Calcium absorption )
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Having an early menopause (before the age of 45)
• Having an early hysterectomy (before the age of
  45, especially if both ovaries are removed)
• Missing periods for one year or more (when not
  pregnant) - this can happen as a result of
  over-exercising or over-dieting

• long-term immobility due to occupation or any other reason
• smoking and drinking alcohol excessively
• low levels of vitamin D
• low levels of dietary calcium.

• Exercise such as brisk walking, running, aerobics, tennis.
  for at least 30 minutes a day
• Having diet rich in calcium such as milk and dairy
  products, such as cheese, green leafy vegetables and
  fruits.
• Having Vitamin D by eating codliver 0il. Milk and eggs, also
  exposure of skin to sunlight everyday, preferably early
  morning
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Regularly checking bone density , every year after
  the age of 40 years will help detect thinning of
  bones at the early stage.

The treatment is advised by a doctor, especially an orthopaedician. Supplements of Calcium, calcitriol can prevent osteoporosis/ risk of fractures. Products containing alendronate, or hormone therapies are also prescribed.