{ Specialized Womens Care

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. It leads to fragile, brittle bones that break more easily, often with little or no trauma. Simple things like coughing, getting out of a chair, or falling from a standing height can result in serious fractures.

Osteoporosis occurs in both men and women, typically in people older than 55. In the United States there are more than 1.5 million osteoporotic fractures annually, making it one of the most common diseases of the elderly. Of the 10 million Americans estimated to have the disease, 8 million are women. Meanwhile, osteoporosis is not discussed much nor screened for nearly as much as it should be.

The symptoms of osteoporosis are silent. Often, a woman discovers she has the disease after breaking a bone. Signs of osteoporosis include loss of height, stooped posture and shortness of breath. There are a number of risk factors that increase a woman's liklihood of osteoporosis:

1. thin, small frame
2. history of bone fractures
3. family history of osteoporosis
4. pre- or post-menopause stage of life
5. estrogen-deficiency
6. anorexia
7. low calcium intake
8. certain medications
9. smoking
10. Asian or Caucasian

Women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the 5 - 7 years following menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis and bone breaks. But, regular screening can help a woman and her doctor prevent and treat osteoporosis.