Protect Your Bones
Years ago, a broken bone was usually the first sign of osteoporosis – a condition where the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. Weak bones put you at risk for a break from a fall, or in severe cases, a minor bump. This loss of bone tissue is often due to hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D. The word osteoporosis means “porous bone.” Under a microscope, healthy bone looks like a honeycomb. For people with osteoporosis, the spaces and holes in the honeycomb are much larger than they should be. Bone is living tissue that grows and strengthens with exercise and proper nutrition beginning in childhood. Osteoporosis creates an imbalance in the rebuilding cycle as bone breaks down but no new bone forms.
Less Bone Mass Means Weaker Bones
Osteoporosis causes more than two million broken bones each year, mostly in the hip, spine, or wrist. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass, putting them at greater risk for the condition. After age 50, half of women and 25 percent of men will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture. The good news: Screenings can detect bones becoming fragile – and preventive treatment is available.
Bone Density Screenings
Bone density scans are recommended every two years after age 65, unless you have other risk factors such as family history, tobacco use, alcohol abuse, or an inactive lifestyle. If your screening indicates bone loss, a variety of treatment choices are available. Women in particular should consult with a primary care physician to determine the right choice for treatment, including:
Medications & Supplements
Men and women at increased risk of fracture will often be prescribed medicines that target the breakdown of bone and slow bone loss. These are called bisphosphonates. Your doctor may also suggest you take calcium supplements and vitamin D to help your body absorb the extra calcium the body needs. Women over age 51 and men over age 71 need 1,200 milligrams of calcium every day.
Infusion Therapy
Another option is Reclast, a drug that inhibits the release of calcium from bones. It’s used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and people who take steroids. It’s also prescribed to build bone mass in men with osteoporosis. Your doctor will recommend how often you need the infusion, but it’s generally once a year. This method of treatment bypasses the stomach, making it a good choice for people who have difficultly tolerating oral medications.
Bone Loss is Silent
Osteoporosis is called a silent disease because you can’t feel bone loss. Unless you’re looking, a break may be your first indication of the condition. Osteoporosis runs in families, and it’s important to know how to protect yourself. There are also many diseases, conditions and medical procedures that can contribute to bone loss, like autoimmune and digestive disorders, neurological conditions, endocrine conditions like diabetes, and cancer. Talk with your doctor about how your medications can impact your bone health.
For information on bone density scans or on infusion treatments for osteoporosis, call the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at (423) 495-4040.