Osteoporosis - Rejuvenate Clinic

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become brittle and more likely to fracture. In osteoporosis, the bones lose density and quality, making them porous like a sponge. This can happen for a few key reasons:

• As we age, bone tissue breaks down faster than new bone can form
• Hormone changes for women after menopause lead to accelerated bone loss
• Inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake does not provide enough raw materials to maintain bone

Some key facts about osteoporosis:

• It often has no symptoms until a fracture occurs
• It affects mostly older women, but men can get it too
• Family history, small body frame, and certain medications increase risk
• Fractures often occur in the hip, spine, and wrist

What causes bones to become porous in osteoporosis?

Our bones are constantly breaking down old tissue and forming new bone tissue. As we age, this balance shifts, and more bone breaks down than can be replaced. In women, the rapid decline of estrogen levels during menopause accelerates bone loss. Inadequate nutrition also contributes by not providing the body with what it needs to maintain bone.

How can you prevent and treat osteoporosis?

To maintain strong, healthy bones:

• Get enough calcium and vitamin D from dairy, greens, and supplements
• Do weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake
• Have bone density testing done to assess fracture risk

If osteoporosis is diagnosed, medications like bisphosphonates can help slow bone loss. With proper treatment and prevention methods, it is possible to maintain an active lifestyle despite osteoporosis.

I hope this overview on osteoporosis gives you a better understanding of this common age-related bone disease! Let me know if you have any other questions.