The US National Osteoporosis Foundation has estimated that more than 10 million people in the US have osteoporosis. Additionally, 19 million people have low bone mass (a condition that increases the risk of osteoporosis and fracture).
Bone resorption is the decrease in the durability of bone tissue due to the decrease in its density, that is, the decrease in its quality. As the severity of osteoporosis increases, bone fragility also increases. Osteoporosis is a serious and insidious disease. Therefore, osteoporosis causes disability and death if it is not caught and prevented in time. It has been reported that osteoporosis is the third known cause of death in the world, after cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes healthy bones to slowly melt and weaken. Weakened bones become more easily broken. Although all bones in the body are affected by this condition, osteoporosis is more evident in the vertebrae, hip and wrist bones. Bone fractures are a dangerous condition, especially in the elderly. The main mineral that makes bones harden is calcium. 80% of those affected by osteoporosis are women. Because women's bones are thinner and some hormone changes that occur after menopause accelerate bone resorption. Osteoporosis is rarer in men and usually occurs after the age of 70.
In women, this decrease in bone density is more severe in the first 3 to 7 years after menopause. The reason is that the hormone estrogen, which helps bones retain calcium, decreases very quickly after menopause. On the other hand, it is natural for bone density to decrease slightly as a result of aging.
Osteoporosis most commonly affects the vertebrae that carry the weight of the body and have a trabecular structure. 47% of all osteoporosis cases occur in the vertebrae, 20% in the hip (head of the femur), 13% in the wrists and 20% in other bones.
As a result, compression fractures in the vertebrae can occur, especially in older ages. While there may be a shortening in height due to age (a woman's height may decrease up to 15 - 20 centimeters in older ages), life-threatening fractures may occur in other bones, especially in the hip, as a result of light falls or spontaneously.
Who was at higher risk of developing osteoporosis? r?
Although 21% of women over the age of 70 have no symptoms, radiological changes in the direction of fracture are observed. The risk of hip fractures begins to increase 10 to 15 years after menopause, and a 90-year-old woman has a 20% chance of having a hip fracture. Approximately 15% of these hip fractures are severe enough to result in death in the first three months. Especially hip fractures result in disability in 50% of women.
In summary;
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Those with thin or small bone structure.
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Those who are over the age of 50.
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Those who are at any stage of menopause.
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Those who have a relative with osteoporosis.
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Those who do not get enough calcium throughout their life.
What are the symptoms? ?
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Back or neck pain.
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Hunchback or bent spine.
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Easy bone fractures that occur even if you do not fall or get injured.
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Tenderness in your bones.
Treatment
It is difficult to replace the bone lost as a result of an started osteoporosis process. However, the process can be largely stopped with some treatments. As a result, the risk of fracture is significantly reduced, except in cases of advanced osteoporosis.
It has now been definitely proven that estrogen treatment slows down the process. A 50-60% reduction in arm and hip fractures can be expected in those receiving estrogen therapy, and an 80% reduction in spinal bone fractures can be expected when calcium intake is also provided (consuming calcium-rich foods and calcium treatment in the form of medication when necessary). This is especially effective after at least 5 years of treatment.
For estrogen therapy to be effective, treatment must continue. When treatment is stopped, the osteoporosis process continues at the same rate as before treatment. Progesterone treatment also contributes to the prevention of osteoporosis with its positive effects on calcium metabolism.
Calcium absorption decreases with age, and the decrease becomes more pronounced especially after menopause. Maintaining calcium balance is the most important step in preventing osteoporosis. is one of the macs. However, in cases where estrogen is low, calcium may not be effective no matter how much calcium is taken. Therefore, in addition to estrogen treatment, it is important to provide the body with 1000 grams of calcium per day through food or medication.
In cases where estrogen treatment is undesirable, different medications can be used.
Preventing osteoporosis other than drug treatment. or some lifestyle changes should be made to stop its progression. Doing sports that do not strain the body for at least 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week, significantly improves the mineral amount of the bone during menopause. It is also extremely important to keep smoking and alcohol use to a minimum.
Precaution
In general; Get into the habit of exercising when you're young. Develop healthy eating habits and make sure you get enough calcium. If you cannot consume foods containing calcium, take vitamins and supplements.
The habit of going to the doctor regularly is the most important step that will protect you from this disease. Some simple measures can help against osteoporosis.
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Quit smoking, stay away from alcohol and coffee.
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Take advantage of sunlight.
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Make your home, work and living environment safe, prevent falls
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Make sure to do the exercises your doctor deems appropriate and protect your waist and back in your daily life. Follow various recommendations for protection.
How can you prevent your bones from breaking if you have osteoporosis?
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Remove small rugs and objects that may cause you to fall.
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Do not bend over to lift heavy things.
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Stay away from slippery and icy floors.
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Use a cane if you need support.
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Use a non-slip rug in the bathroom or tub.
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Wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.
Most importantly, have yourself checked for osteoporosis at regular intervals. A comfortable and active life in your future life is only possible with early diagnosis. That's why bone y You can have your density measured at intervals deemed appropriate by your physician.
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