Osteoporosis: A Study on the Bone Disease

Bones are the framework of our bodies; strip away everything else and you are left with a skeleton. Imagine if the structure of your body began to deteriorate, like the wood frame holding up a house. For many people, the weakening of bones known as Osteoporosis is very real. One trip or fall could result in a debilitating fracture most likely in the spine, hips, or wrist. Today 55% of Americans ages 50 and older are affected by this "silent" disease. Unfortunately experiencing a fracture might be your first clue you have Osteoporosis.

It is helpful to know in advance if you are a part of a population at high risk for Osteoporosis. Women are four times more likely to develop this disease. Estrogen is important in maintaining bone density in women. When estrogen levels drop after menopause, bone loss accelerates up to 30% causing approximately one in every two women to experience a fracture in their lifetime. Young women who train excessively or have the eating disorder anorexia nervosa have Amenorrhea, or a loss of estrogen levels as well putting them at risk. People of a Caucasian or Asian background are more susceptible to the disease due to smaller/thinner body frames. If you have a family member who had Osteoporosis, there is a good chance you might get it too. You can bet smoking, excessive alcohol use, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise leads to this disease.