Osteoporosis: symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition of osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis or calcification of the bones is a disease that occurs when bones begin to experience continuous loss. The inside of healthy bones normally appears to have lots of tiny spaces just like a beehive. The loss of bone will make these rooms wider.

This condition gradually makes the bones lose their strength, so they become more brittle, so they are prone to fractures due to minor trauma. Outer bone growth also tends to be weaker and thinner than it should be.

This increases the risk of disorders of the bone structure, such as fractures due to loss. People with osteoporosis usually have a high risk of hip fractures, wrist fractures and spinal fractures. Unfortunately, some bones such as the pelvis that have been damaged cannot heal.

Myth says that osteoporosis is a disease that occurs naturally and cannot be avoided, because it is considered part of aging.

In fact, this bone disorder disease can actually be prevented or slowed down its development. Unfortunately, osteoporosis often goes undetected until the bone breaks.

Osteoporosis is often confused with osteopenia. In fact, osteopenia is a disease where there is a decrease in bone density to below normal limits, but not as severe as osteoporosis. Don't get confused, OK.

How common is this condition?

Bone loss due to osteoporosis is common. This condition can happen to anyone, both men and women of all races. However, white men and Asian women are known to have a higher risk. This risk will increase for elderly women who are no longer experiencing menstruation (menopause).

People who do have osteoporosis are at higher risk for fractures even when doing routine activities. This includes standing, walking, or lifting weights.

However, don't worry. You can reduce your risk of developing this disease by reducing the risk factors you have. Consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that usually does not show certain symptoms at an early stage. In fact, in some cases, people who have experienced osteoporosis or bone loss do not know for sure their condition, until they experience fractures.

The main symptom of osteoporosis that can be felt is bones that break easily due to minor incidents, such as falls, slips, sneezing, and so on.

However, over time several other symptoms of osteoporosis may appear, including:

• Lower back pain.
• Neck pain.
• Hunchback posture.
• Gradual decrease in height.
• It's easy to have broken bones.

If the condition is not treated promptly, bone loss can get worse over time. When the structure and composition of the bones become thinner and weaker, the risk of fracture increases.

Symptoms of osteoporosis that are already classified as severe can result in broken bones due to trivial to severe things. Whether it's sneezing or a strong cough, or from falling.

Not only that. Some people often experience symptoms of a broken rib, wrist, or hip.

However, most cases of fracture due to this loss, when it occurs in the spine because it can cause disability.

There may still be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor immediately.

When to see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you have started to enter the early phase of menopause, routinely take corticosteroid drugs for several months, or your parents experience a hip fracture.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. The health condition of each person's body is different. Always consult a doctor in order to get the best treatment regarding your health condition.

Causes of osteoporosis

In fact, it is not entirely wrong to say that the older the bones are, the more susceptible to bone loss they are. However, that does not mean that all people who are getting older are certain to have osteoporosis.

Basically, every time an old human bone breaks, the body replaces it with a new bone. When you are young, the bone replacement process is certainly faster.

After passing the twenties, this process will gradually slow down. Generally, bone mass will reach its peak at the age of 30 years. Since then, as we get older, bone mass will decrease faster without being accompanied by new bone formation.

Indirectly, your chances of developing osteoporosis actually depend on how much bone mass was formed when you were young.

The more bone mass that is formed, the more bone mass supply is stored. As a result, you are less likely to develop osteoporosis as you get older.

Therefore, it cannot be said that the cause of osteoporosis is increasing age. However, if you can't take care of your bone health while you're young, your risk of developing osteoporosis will increase as you get older.

Risk factors for osteoporosis

There are many risk factors for osteoporosis. Some of them can be changed early on, but some tend to be difficult or even irreversible.

Some of the risk factors for osteoporosis that you cannot change are:

1. Female gender

Women are thought to suffer from osteoporosis more than men.

2. Increasing age

Age is a risk factor for osteoporosis. The older you are, the greater the risk of developing this bone disorder.

As previously mentioned, this increased risk usually lasts from the time you turn 30 years of age, especially after a woman goes through menopause.

3. Decrease in hormone levels in the body

According to the Office on Women's Health, the reason bone loss in women can be influenced by the level of estrogen in the body.

The less the hormone estrogen, the higher the risk of osteoporosis experienced by women. This is because estrogen has an important role in maintaining healthy bones.

Whereas in men, low testosterone levels are a risk factor for bone loss.

4. Small and thin body size

Women and men who are small and thin are at a higher risk of experiencing bone loss. On the other hand, men and women with larger bodies tend to have a lower risk.

5. Family history of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that can run in families. That means, if a family member has osteoporosis or bone loss, you have a greater risk of developing the condition.

6. Have had a broken bone

A person who has had minor fractures before, is more at risk of experiencing bone loss later in life. Especially if the fracture occurs after 50 years of age.

While the risk factors for osteoporosis that you can change are:

1. Prevent anorexia nervosa

Having an eating disorder and limiting your food intake can weaken bone strength, leading to osteoporosis.

2. Consuming calcium and vitamin D intake

A diet low in calcium and vitamin D makes your bones more porous.

3. Taking medicines according to the doctor's recommendation

Some drugs increase the risk of osteoporosis, such as corticosteroid drugs, antidepressants, chemotherapy agents, and so on. You can ask your doctor further about taking these drugs, especially if you have a high risk of developing osteoporosis.

4. Lazy to move

Lack of exercise, frequent relaxation and forgetfulness of time, or lying down for long periods of time can cause bones to become brittle due to weakness and loss of strength.

5. Smoking habits

Besides being bad for heart and lung health, smoking can also reduce bone density. This is because the chemicals in cigarettes will slowly destroy various body cells, including cells in bone.

When bone cells are damaged, bone density will automatically weaken which makes it porous and brittle.

6. Excessive alcohol consumption

Too much alcohol consumption can cause bone loss and eventually damage.

Osteoporosis medication & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

A common way to diagnose osteoporosis is through a bone density or density test to assess the composition and structure of your bones. This test, called bone densitometry or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), involves the use of x-rays.

Examination with x-rays aims to measure bone density which is usually done at several points that are most at risk of loss. For example, on the wrist, waist, or spine.

What are the treatment options for osteoporosis?

If you are diagnosed with bone loss, your doctor will determine the best treatment plan based on your health condition.

Some osteoporosis treatment options that can be done are:

1. Use of bisphosphonate drugs

This class of drugs can help slow bone loss in the body. Apart from maintaining bone density, this drug also reduces the risk of fractures.

This drug can be used by both women and men. Bisphosphonates are available in the form of oral drugs (tablets) or injection drugs.

2. Monoclonal antibody drugs

These drugs can maintain bone density in osteoporosis patients. In fact, this drug may have a better effect than bisphosphonates. This drug can also reduce the risk of various other bone defects.

Usually, this drug will be given by the doctor every 6 months by injection into the body. If your doctor recommends using this medicine, you may need to continue taking it.

3. Hormone therapy

If your bone loss is caused by low levels of certain hormones, your doctor will usually recommend hormone therapy. This therapy can help increase low hormone levels in both men and women.

4. Calcium and vitamin D supplements

Calcium is a mineral needed by bones, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium into the body. If the body is deficient in these vitamins and minerals, the risk of developing osteoporosis is certainly higher.

Therefore, if you have difficulty getting calcium and vitamin D from various natural sources, such as food, there is nothing wrong with taking vitamin D and calcium supplements which can help maintain bone density.

Getting treatment for osteoporosis as soon as possible must be done in order to avoid unwanted complications of osteoporosis.

Home remedies for osteoporosis

The following is a lifestyle for osteoporosis sufferers that can be applied while undergoing osteoporosis treatment, including:

• Exercise regularly, for example doing exercises with movements that are suitable for people with osteoporosis.
• Consult with a physical or rehabilitation therapist to help strengthen your muscles and bones.
• Expand bone-strengthening food sources, for example those rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, fish, nuts, and green vegetables.
• Avoid smoking.
• Avoid consuming excessive alcohol.
• Avoid conditions where you can fall easily.

These things can also be done as an effort to prevent osteoporosis. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.