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, break easily.

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What causes osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis has the following risk factors: hormonal deficiency in women during menopause, calcium deficiency in the body, various disorders of the body's functions (respiration, digestion, musculoskeletal system, etc.), alcohol and nicotine abuse.

Osteoporosis can also affect men, although this is much less common because men have more bone mass and do not have the hormonal imbalances that women experience during menopause (a drop in estrogen levels, which increases the risk of osteoporosis in women). The exact causes of osteoporosis in men are not fully understood.

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

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

How to recognize osteoporosis?

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

How to prevent osteoporosis?

In order to prevent osteoporosis from developing, it is necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and maintain a sufficient level of calcium in the body, as it is the most important component of bones. To maintain the balance of this element in the body, you should regularly consume milk and dairy products, fish, beans, cabbage, and other vegetables and fruits. Calcium will be absorbed better if the body has the required amount of vitamin D.

Regular consumption of carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol, etc. contributes to the removal of calcium from the body. The average daily dose of this macronutrient for an adult is 1000 mg. Walking and physical exercise are very useful for the formation of a healthy skeleton. For the safety of performing physical exercises, a preliminary consultation with an experienced doctor is mandatory.

Currently, doctors have come to the conclusion that osteoporosis is a disease that can often be prevented. A balanced diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D, exercise, and giving up bad habits can help. Remember that under no circumstances should you self-medicate; at the slightest complaint or deterioration in your health, immediately consult a doctor.