Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis refers a condition that bones weaken by losing calcium and minerals, and is more likely to fracture. There are no symptoms at the early stages of osteoporosis, but the risk of bone fracture increases. Fracture may easily occurs in every bone and especially wrist, spine, hip joint are commonly break.
Causes of primary osteoporosis
Idiopathic osteoporosis
Postmenopausal osteoporosis (Female)
Age-related osteoporosis
occurs due to certain diseases or medications such as diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, rheumarthritis, cancer, etc.
Causes of secondary osteoporosis
occurs without any clear causes
occurs due to the lack of female hormone after menopause
occurs with aging
occurs due to certain diseases or medications such as diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, rheumarthritis, cancer, etc.
Risk factors of osteoporosis
Genetic factor
ㆍRisk of fracture caused by osteoporosis is 3 times higher in women than in men Osteoporosis occurs 5 times more in women than in men
ㆍAge
ㆍWhen experieced fracture previously
ㆍWhen a osteoporosis patient is in the family
Life style
ㆍLack of calcium intake
ㆍLack of vitamin D: not enoughly exposed to the sunlight
ㆍsmoking
ㆍExcessive drinking
ㆍLack of physical activity
Other factors
ㆍWhen the spine bends backward
ㆍPremature menopause or long-period lamenorrhea
ㆍLack of male hormone (for men)
ㆍBeing bedridden for long-period
ㆍWhen having steroid treatment for long-period
ㆍWhen body weight is lower
ㆍWhen have rheumarthritis
Treatment for osteoporosis
When fractures occur, treatment varies depending on where it occurs. Osteoporosis without fracture is treated by improving life style and taking medicines, and treatment aims to get rid of risks of fracture.
Improving life style
When osteoporosis is diagnosed, immoderate exercise may cause fracture. Regular exercise of at least three times a week is effective, and it is recommended to restrain smoking and excessive drinking that are bad for bone health.
Intake of calcium and vitamin D
Medicinal therapy for osteoporosis must include calcium and vitamin D, the recommended doses are 1,000~1,200mg of calcium and 400~500mg of vitamin D.
Medicinal therapy
Typically female hormone is used for the menopausal women and bisphosphonate, parathormone, etc. are used as well.
Prevention of osteoporosis