Osteoporosis, a disease associated with bones, in which your bones start getting weak and fractured. Why are women more at risk than men? The risk of osteoporosis is higher in women than in men, due to which there are many specific reasons, such as hormonal changes etc. It is a medical condition in which bones become weak and porous due to low density. Osteoporosis Risk Factors: Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones, in which you are more likely to have a bone fracture. You may not feel any visible symptoms; usually, the first sign is a broken bone. Factors that increase osteoporosis: There are generally five reasons behind the development of this disease of osteoporosis.
Age
Age is a natural action of the body, which has to increase gradually. In this case, like old age cells of old bone break down, and new cells of bone are formed. However, as soon as a person reaches his or her 30s, the body begins to break bone rapidly, as it is only then capable of replacing it. Thus, people above 50 years of age have a higher risk of bone fracture (osteoporosis).
Sex
Due to changes in hormonal levels, osteoporosis is more likely to occur in postmenopausal women. Women in the age group of 45 to 55 years are at higher risk of bone pain and bone fracture. Men in this age group may also be at risk but are less likely than women.
Family History
If anyone in the first family has osteoporosis, the risk of the disease increases; if one of the parents is having a fractured hip, the risk may increase.
Diet
Your food can also be mostly responsible for this. Because people who have low calcium intake are more likely to have osteoporosis. Besides, the risk also increases in those who are underweight or lean. People who have had gastrointestinal surgery have a higher risk of developing bone disease.
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Medicines
Prolonged exposure to corticosteroids may affect the body's ability to rebuild bones. Thus, patients taking corticosteroid are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Medications that are used to prevent and treat gastric reflux, caesars, and cancer have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
Lifestyle Factors
Some of your habits may also increase the risk of osteoporosis. These include not staying active, sedentary lifestyle, high alcohol consumption, smoking, tobacco, and not eating a balanced diet.
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How can osteoporosis be diagnosed?
Blood test and urine test are performed, if osteoporosis is suspected, based on the patient's physical examination. So that you can check for conditions that can cause bone loss, after this, bone density can be tested. This test helps in measuring the amount of calcium present in a section of bone. The bones most commonly tested in BMD are mostly in the hip and spine. Bone mineral density is recommended at equal intervals to all women who smoke or consume alcohol and people with sedentary lifestyles. In them, it can also be a sign of kidney diseases and arthritis patients.
Treatment of osteoporosis
- Bone fractures can be prevented by treatment in osteoporosis. However, doctors recommend using some medicines to slow the breakdown of bones in the patient. Along with this, some lifestyle changes are also advised to strengthen the bones.
- Its treatment includes regular exercise and increased intake of calcium and vitamin D.
- You should include foods rich in calcium and vitamin D in your diet to keep bones healthy. Besides, eat foods rich in calcium like milk, curd and green leafy vegetables.
- Vitamin D can be obtained through good exposure to sunlight. Apart from this, regular exercise, stress relief yoga and limited alcohol intake can also help to keep bones healthy.
[Medically reviewed by Dr Binita Priyambada, Senior Consultant, Medical Team (DocPrime.com)]
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