Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is generally considered a disease of post-menopausal women. Osteoporosis is defined as reduction of bone mass without alteration in the composition of bone, leading to fractures. Primary osteoporosis can be of two major types: postmenopausal osteoporosis (OSTEOPOROSIS, POSTMENOPAUSAL) and age-related or senile osteoporosis. Additionally, mortality is also increased as a result of hip fractures. Osteoporosis is important not only to quality of life, and untimely death; but associated costs of care, which are increased.

Certain risk factors are linked to the development of osteoporosis and contribute to an individual’s likelihood of developing the disease. Many people with osteoporosis have several risk factors, but others who develop the disease have no known risk factors. There are some you cannot change and others you can.

Risk factors you cannot change:

• Gender – Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are a woman. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men because of the changes that happen with menopause.

Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Men as well as women are affected by osteoporosis, a disease that can be prevented and treated.

Many diseases and/or medications used to treat the conditions identified below are “red flags” as they can increase risk for osteoporosis and broken bones.

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

According to an Environmental Working Group report, "The National Academy of Sciences found that when fluoride is consumed in high doses--such as through food and water--it can interfere with brain functioning, cause bone fractures, dental fluorosis (weakening of the teeth), thyroid and pineal gland disorders, and worsen diabetes. Fluoride's connection to cancer, IQ deficits, dementia, immune system disorders, and other serious health risks are still being researched."

Smoking and second-hand smoke cause disease and are killers according to the US Surgeon General. They cause the deaths of 500,000 people annually in the US. This site explains the special problems smoking and second-hand smoke cause women.

According to a report in General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical journal, patients taking biphosphonates for Paget's Disease, osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, and bone metastasis from other cancers are at risk for severe jaw disease if dental surgery is performed.

Contrary to popular belief, a new study has found that lean body mass is positively associated with high bone density, while added weight from fat is postively linked to osteoporosis.

The study recommends that people build bone strength by building muscle, not by gaining weight through fat accumulation.

A new study from Texas A&M University's Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center researchers reveals that citrus juices (both grapefruit and orange) and their pulp might prevent osteoporosis, one of the silent diseases of ageing men and women.

According to new research reported by the International Osteoporosis Foundation at their World Congress on Osteoporosis in Toronto, cigarette smoke can weaken the bones and increase the risk for fractures for both men and women. Previously it was thought that it was women who were mainly at risk.