Causes of Osteoporosis
There exists a natural cycle in our bodies which causes a continuous degeneration of old bone cells with a simultaneous building of new ones. These processes are usually in balance, so that the amount of bone loss is about equal to the amount that is replaced. Osteoporosis is caused when there is an imbalance due to which the degeneration outpaces the rebuilding.
Who is most susceptible to Osteoporosis?
Menopause is the single most important cause of Osteoporosis, but you are also at risk if you:
How is Menopause related to Osteoporosis?
In women, the balance between bone building and bone loss is disturbed during Menopause due to the hormonal changes occurring at this time. Where you are younger, your body produces hormones like estrogen to prepare you for pregnancy. During Menopause, however, the level of estrogen produced in your body begins to drop. This drop leads to a faster breakdown of bone tissue and the tissue being replaced can not keep pace with it. In fact, during the first five years after Menopause, some women may lose as much as 25 percent of their bone density. In many women, this bone loss is severe enough to make bones weak and fragile. This causes Osteoporosis.
A surgical Menopause, which occurs in women who have undergone a surgical removal of ovaries, leads to similar hormonal changes and thereby increases risk of Osteoporosis.
What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis?
The early stages of Osteoporosis are relatively painless and symptom free. In fact, many women who have undergone Menopause do not even realise it when thisailment beginstosetin. But once the symptoms of Osteoporosis begin to surface, these could include.
How is Osteoporosis detected?
An X-Ray for some other medical reason could reveal Osteoporosis, although X-Rays only reveal signs of Osteoporosis when bone loss is quite advanced.
Osteoporosis can be detected at an early stage with a routine 'Bone Density Test', also called Bone Densitometry.
This may be recommended as a routine test after Menopause.
You must visit your doctor at Max Healthcare for a regular checkup if you:
What is Bone Densitometry and what is its/value?
Bone Densitometry is the most accurate and sensitive method of measuring loss of bone tissue to detect Osteoporosis at an early stage. In addition, periodic repetition of this test can also track the rate of boneless.
Bone Densitometry is performed with an instrument called a Bone Densitometer. This machine is based on a technology called DEXA which is very accurate, fast, easy to perform and painless.
How do I receive more information and guidance on Osteoporosis?
To receive the latest information on osteoporosis and bone density testing for yourself, a friend or a family member, call your doctor at Max Healthcare where you will receive guidance from experienced medical professionals on the best methods of prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis.