Osteoporosis: Risk Factors and Treatments
Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones become brittle and porous. Although post-menopausal women are seen as the typical osteoporosis patient, this disease can affect men and women of any age. Over forty million Americans over the age of fifty are estimated to have osteopenia, or low bone density. Osteopenia is often the first indicator that someone will develop osteoporosis.
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Symptoms of osteoporosis often do not occur early on. Sometimes the first indication that someone has suffered severe bone loss is a fracture or broken bone. Other indications include bone pain or a reduction in height caused small fractures in the spine.
Risk Factors Because early stages of osteoporosis often have no clear symptoms, it is important to understand the risk factors that could lead to the disease. Some osteoporosis risk factors are genetic, while others can be controlled.
You may be at higher risk of developing osteoporosis if you have any of the following factors:
- are in menopause or who have had your ovaries surgically removed, creating low estrogen levels
- history of smoking
- lack of exercise
- low dietary or supplemental calcium intake
- medical conditions such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid), rheumatoid arthritis and kidney disease
- physically small frame, especially if you are of Northern European or Asian descent.
Other risk factors that may indicate a tendency to develop osteoporosis include:
- a high protein diet (more than sixty grams of protein per day)
- alcohol consumption (over two drinks per day)
- coffee consumption (more than two cups a day)
- excessive salt intake
- use of steroid medication.
Density Testing
Doctors generally use two types of screening to determine whether a person has low bone density, which indicates the presence of osteoporosis. Technicians can take a scan of the heel using a non-invasive type of ultrasound equipment. For a more definitive test, a radiologist can x-ray the hip and spine area.
Pre-Menopausal Osteoporosis
Although osteoporosis is often associated with post-menopausal women, pre-menopausal osteoporosis is a growing concern. Women who suffer from alcoholism, kidney disease, or celiac disease are among those who are more likely to develop osteoporosis at a younger age. Being underweight at age 18 or missing three or more periods are other risk factors.
Osteoporosis Prevention
While some factors like height and ancestry are beyond our control, you can take steps to minimize your risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis exercises, typically weight-bearing exercises, include walking, lifting light weights, playing tennis or playing golf. These exercises can increase bone mass and improve strength and balance.
If you smoke, you need to stop. If you require help, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs or using nicotine patches.
Increase your intake of dietary calcium. This means eating more yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, tofu, soy milk, broccoli and green leafy vegetables.
If you can’t get enough calcium in your diet, calcium/magnesium supplements can help. The suggested dose of calcium citrate is about 1000 to 1500 milligrams per day. Be sure to buy a supplement with Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb the calcium.
Talk to Your Doctor
Some patients, like those with asthma or other inflammatory disorders, must use oral or inhalable steroids. These medications can leach calcium out of your bones. The benefits of using those medications must be balanced against the risk of developing osteoporosis. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without discussing your concerns with your doctor.
Medications for Osteoporosis
Low estrogen levels that lead to osteoporosis are present in post-menopausal women. Years ago, estrogen replacement was prescribed to treat troubling symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and insomnia. Estrogen was also thought to be the best treatment for bone loss. However, as more women used hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, serious side effects began to appear, including blood clots and heart disease. In addition, women with breast cancer cannot take estrogen. As a result, new treatments of osteoporosis are being developed as alternatives to estrogen replacement.
New Treatments for Osteoporosis
A new generation of drugs has come on the scene that specifically target bone loss. Biophosphonates, like the brand name Fosamax, are drugs that cause the bone to regenerate. Because these drugs are relatively new on the market, no long-term studies are available to determine whether their effects continue after several years of use. Serious side effects include esophageal reflux and ulcers. A rare side effect can be bone decay in the jaw.
Other treatments for osteoporosis include Dual Action Bone Agents (DABAs), which have been shown to reduce fractures, and teriparatide, which is used primarily for patients who have already suffered fractures. However, side effects of DABAs (i.e. strontium ranelate) include nausea and eczema, while those for teriparatide include dizziness, chest pain, fever and diarrhea. As is the case with any medical treatment, do not begin taking these drugs without first consulting your doctor.
Stay Strong
The most important thing you can do to keep your bones strong and healthy is to start young. Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. Talk to your doctor about calcium supplements. Get regular exercise. Staying active will keep your body strong and agile.
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