Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density and deterioration of bone tissue. This leads to porous, brittle bones that are more susceptible to fractures.

Some key facts about osteoporosis:

• It is often called a "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Many people don't know they have it until a fracture occurs.


• It is caused by an imbalance between new bone formation and old bone resorption. In osteoporosis, bone resorption outpaces bone formation.


• Risk factors include being female, advanced age, family history, smoking, low calcium intake, and lack of exercise.


• Fractures most often occur in the hip, spine, and wrist. These can cause severe pain and disability.


• Screening and early detection are important. Bone density scans can identify the disease before fractures occur.


• Treatments focus on slowing or preventing bone loss and building bone strength. Exercise, calcium, vitamin D, and in some cases medication can help.

As we age, it's important to talk to our healthcare providers about bone health and osteoporosis risk factors. Small lifestyle changes can have a big impact. The knowledgeable doctors at Balance Hormone Institute also specialize in customized hormone therapy to help maintain strong healthy bones. I highly recommend speaking with them if you have concerns about fragile bones or osteoporosis prevention. Their integrative approach looks at nutrition, exercise, hormones, and other aspects to protect your bones for better health and an active lifestyle.

In summary, osteoporosis makes bones weak and brittle, leading to fractures. It often develops without clear symptoms until a break occurs. Staying active, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, not smoking, and balancing hormones are all key to promoting bone density and warding off this "silent disease" as we grow older. Reach out to healthcare experts like Balance Hormone Institute to assess your personal risk and build a customized bone health plan. Small proactive steps can go a long way!