Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Risks, Diagnosis and Treatment

Osteoporoisis ia a disease that weakens bone tissue and makes the bones more porous. With increased pore size in the bone tissue, there is an increase in the brittleness of the bone and a weakness that develops and can lead to fractures. Unfortunately, while there are a number of consequences for those who develop osteoporosis, the disease often is without symptoms. Therefore, it’s important to know your risk factors for developing the disease.

Risk Factors for Women

Women are at risk for developing osteoporosis if the following are present:

• Infrequent exercise.
• Consumption of too little calcium.
• Consumption of too much caffeine or alcohol.
• Smoking.
• Medications like corticosteroids for asthma, thyroid medications, heavy use of antacids, anticonvulsants and others.
• Thin women and those with a petite build.
• There is a familiy history of osteoporosis.
• They are Caucasian or Asian.
• They have passed menopause or who have stopped having their period due to an eating disorder or other reason.

Risk Factors for Men

Men should be aware of the following risk factors for osteoporosis:

• Decreased testosterone levels.
• A family history of osteoporosis.
• Low body weight.
• Use of medications like corticosteroids for asthma, thyroid medications, heavy use of antacids and the use of anticonvulsants.
• Smoking.
• Alcohol.
• Infrequent exercise.
• Too little calcium consumption.

The best way to determine whether or not you should receive treatment for osteoporosis will involve bone mass density tests; however, depending on the risks involved for developing osteoporosis, some physicians will recommend preventative treatment.

Fosamax is often used both preventatively to strengthen bone tissue before osteoporosis develops and after osteoporosis has been diagnosed. Of course, not everyone will discover the same benefits of taking Fosamax.

Tagged as: Fosamax for Osteoporosis, osteoporosis, osteoporosis risks