Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by weak bones resulting from decreased mineralisation and reduced bone mass leading to an increased risk of fractures.
Osteoporosis is very common after menopause, when it is called post menopausal osteoporosis. This is a very specific condition where rapid bone loss occurs due to withdrawal of the hormone estrogen.
Bone mass is not constant. Bone is a dynamic tissue whose mass is affected by the process of bone resorption and new bone formation. At any given point of time, we are constantly losing bone by resorption as well as forming new bone. This is known as remodelling of bone.
Estrogen hormone prevents bone loss and facilitates new bone formation.
Factors which accelerate bone loss include:
- Increasing Age
- Female Gender
- Menopausal status
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Diet poor in Vitamin D, Calcium and other minerals
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake and smoking
- Steroid intake over prolonged period
- Hyperthyroidism
- Any chronic debilitating illness like tuberculosis
Osteoporosis is a silent disease and may persist for years without causing any symptoms. It affects the wrists, hips, spine and ribs. It may cause bone pains and loss of height in the long run with a hunch back in extreme cases. The commonest and the most dangerous complication is fractures. Hip fractures are particularly common among the elderly and often occur with the slightest of falls and are associated with high mortality and adversely affect the quality of life.
It is particularly important to pick up this condition in its early stages so that treatment is more effective and complications may be prevented.
Now a days, various treatment options are available to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. These include estrogen treatment (hormone replacement therapy) and SERMs (estrogen like substances with the advantage of avoiding certain dangerous side effects) apart from calcium and Vitamin D (and its active form Calcitriol) supplementation in adequate doses. Different classes of drugs like bisphosphonates and 'dual action bone agents' are now becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
The role of exercise in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis cannot be overemphasised. Weight bearing exercises (such as walking and aerobics) and restistance exercise are particularly useful.
A diet high in calcium and vitamin D is essential to bone strength. Foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D include meat and meat products, milk and milk products, nuts, fish, beans, tofu and green vegetables.
What we offer at GyneGuide:
Osteoporosis Screening, Detection and Management Program as part of Menopause Package or on an individual basis. We also offer treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and supervised lifestyle modification with the help of Yoga and dietary advice specially designed as per your needs.