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Aging is the one process, we as humankind have no control on and aging brings along many health issues as well. Our body weakens gradually and becomes vulnerable to diseases, illnesses, and health conditions. Depending upon the body type and lifestyle, it varies. Osteoporosis is one such condition which is very common amongst women in India. Particularly, after menopause when bones start turning weak and start losing density through vitamin D, Calcium, and Mineral loss.
Osteoporosis
The condition when bones become extremely porous, fragile, and are subject to fractures easily, is known as osteoporosis. There is a certain imbalance between the old and new bones in this condition. Though Osteoporosis is more prevalent in elderly people, it is more common in women than men. The reason is that the hormone called estrogen is responsible for maintaining bone density in women. After menopause, estrogen levels drop considerably in women and thus decrease the bone density as well. Over 25 million people in India are known to suffer from this condition and the sad part is there are no specific symptoms other than pain or disability for early detection of the condition.
Risk Factors of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis Diagnosis
As mentioned earlier unless a bone injury or a fracture has occurred, detection of osteoporosis is not really possible. An X-ray of a fractured bone helps in detecting the condition, though not with high accuracy. For best diagnostic results, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a better choice. The actual score of the patient’s bone density is compared with the permissible range available. Usually, for bone density tests, the normal range is between 0-1. If the bone density in the range (-1 to -2.5) its osteopenia and if it is below minus 2.5 then it definitely is osteoporosis.
Treatment for Osteoporosis
After knowing the root cause of the condition, the treatment is decided. But, it is not generally possible to eradicate the disease completely. Various suitable medications are provided by the consulting doctor to reduce bone density loss and for strengthening the bones as well. Alternatively, treatments and therapies like testosterone and hormone replacement treatment, stem cell therapy also offered. Vitamin D and Calcium supplements are also prescribed by doctors of treating osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Prevention
Though age is a major factor in Osteoporosis and it is more common in women, the easy way out is putting in all efforts to prevent the same. The first big step in the direction is adopting a healthy lifestyle that is a blend good diet and exercise. Evening walking and jogging is a good addition to your lifestyle. Consume a diet that is rich in Calcium and Vitamin D. Smoking and drinking is a habit with women as well and is better avoided or kept to the bare minimum.
