Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a pathology associated with increased fragility of bones. In most cases, it occurs in women due to age-related changes and the onset of menopause. Bones lose their strength, become much weaker and, as a result, easily break.

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What causes osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis has such risk factors as: hormonal insufficiency in women in menopause, lack of calcium in the body, various violations of the body's functions (breathing, digestion, musculoskeletal system, etc.), alcohol and nicotine abuse.

Osteoporosis can also affect men, although this is much less common, as men have more bone mass and they do not have hormonal disorders similar to those experienced by women during the menopause (lowering the level of estrogen, which increases the risk of developing osteoporosis in female patients). The exact causes of osteoporosis in men are not fully established.

There is an opinion that they can be associated with alcohol abuse, which in turn increases the level of glucocorticoids (hormones regulating the mineral, carbohydrate and protein balance), as well as low testosterone levels. Osteoporosis in men manifests itself in the form of back pains or fractures, while in women, pathology can be detected only after examination.

Between the age of twenty and thirty, the density of bone mass reaches its maximum. With age, due to various circumstances, the bone mass decreases, the bones weaken, the risk of fractures increases. Long-term use of individual medications, especially those containing glucocorticoids, can provoke osteoporosis. One of the most important factors in the development of the risk of osteoporosis is also a hereditary predisposition.

How to recognize osteoporosis?

The most common method for studying tissue density is X-ray absorptiometry, which has a high measurement accuracy, a small radiation load, so, if necessary, can be repeated to assess the rate of bone loss. There are no contraindications to this method of examination, the procedure does not require any preliminary preparation.

How to prevent osteoporosis?

In order that osteoporosis does not develop, it is necessary to lead a correct and mobile way of life, to eat a balanced diet, to maintain a sufficient level of calcium in the body, since it is the most important component of bones. To maintain the balance of this element in the body should regularly eat milk and dairy products, fish, beans, cabbage and other vegetables and fruits. Calcium will be better absorbed if the body has the necessary amount of vitamin D.

Excretion of calcium from the body contributes to the regular use of carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol, etc. The daily dose of this macroelement for an adult is an average of 1000 mg. Very useful for the formation of a healthy skeleton walking, physical exercise. In order to ensure the safety of exercise, mandatory preliminary consultation by an experienced physician is necessary.

Currently, doctors came to the conclusion that osteoporosis is a disease that can often be prevented. This can help a balanced diet with a sufficient content of calcium and vitamin D, exercise, abandonment of bad habits. Remember that under no circumstances should you engage in self-medication, with the slightest complaints and worsening of your health, immediately consult a doctor.