What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a common condition that has no obvious symptoms but can cause bones to break. It results from decreased bone mass. With lower mass, your bones can become so weak and brittle that even the slightest fall may cause a fracture. Your bones are in a constant state of regeneration ( as shown by the picture). As old bone tissue breaks down, your body replaces it with healthy new bone. As you grow older, your body loses bone mass faster than it can replace it. 

Who gets osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is much more common in women than in men. Osteoporosis is especially common among older women, as about one in four women age 65 or older have osteoporosis.

 

What causes osteoporosis?

It’s normal for bone production to decline over time, but osteoporosis isn’t an inevitable part of aging. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, including:

·       Being a postmenopausal woman 

·       Having a small body frame

·       Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D

·       Having a sedentary lifestyle

·       Smoking cigarettes

·       Drinking too much alcohol

·       Diseases like inflammatory arthritis , can also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis has no symptoms, it’s important to get a bone density scan/DEXA scan, which can be prescribed by Dr. Gul after doing a consultation and assessing risk factors for osteoporosis. 

 How is osteoporosis treated?

Dr. Gul develops an individualized treatment plan that fits best to treat your disease and personal needs. The plan focuses on preventing bone fractures , which may include but not limited to 

·       Oral medications to prevent bone loss

·       Injectable medications, such as ReclastⓇ, Prolia ,Forteo, Tymlos etc 

·       Dietary changes, including calcium and vitamin D

To learn more about preventing and treating osteoporosis, call Precision Rheumatology  or book an appointment online today.