Osteoporosis is a disease where bone density and mass decreases over time, making bones thin and brittle. It is the most common bone disease, affecting 1 in 5 American women over 50. Risk factors include lack of estrogen, smoking, excessive alcohol, family history, and low calcium intake. Symptoms may include bone pain, loss of height, fractures from minor falls or injuries. Treatment focuses on exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and medications to rebuild bone density and prevent fractures.

1. OsteoporosisM YannitellOption 4, Module 7

2. What is osteoporosis?The thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time

3. Most common type of bone disease

4. 1 out of 5 American women > 50 have osteoporosis

5. ½ of women, at 50 will have a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra

6. The body fails to form enough new boneFour stagesStage 1- Begins at about age 35 before it is detectableStage 2- Occurs between ages 35 and 55 when osteoporosis becomes detectable with special testsStage 3- Can begin as early as 45 and is characterized by bone fracturesStage 4- May begin as early as age 55 with fractures accompanied by chronic pain and deformity.

7. Risk factorsAbsence of menstrual periodsDrinking large amounts of alcoholFamily historyHistory of hormone treatment for prostate or breast cancerLow body weightSmokingToo little calcium in diet

8. CausesLeading Cause- Lack of certain hormonesEstrogen – FemalesAndrogen - MalesBeing confined to a bedChronic rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, eating disordersTaking corticosteroid medicationsHyperparathyroidismInadequate intake of calcium and vitamin DLack of muscle useBone Cancer

9. SymptomsBone pain or tendernessFractures with little or no traumaLoss of height over timeLow back pain due to fractures of the spinal bonesNeck pain due to fractures ofthe spinal bonesStooped posture, “dowager’s hump”

10. Preventative care