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Prevention & Treatment of Osteoporosis

HOW TO DETECT OSTEOPOROSIS AND OTHER BONE PROBLEMS EARLY?

As osteoporosis has NO obvious symptoms other than a fracture, it is important to go to the Doctor if any of the risk factors mentioned below apply to you. You may have Osteopenia (low bone mass) or Osteoporosis at a much younger age, especially if you are a woman. Best way to find out and confirm bone mineral loss is by blood tests & Bone mineral densitometry test.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Following are the main risk factors associated with Osteoporosis :
01. A close family member diagnosed with osteoporosis
02. A family history of fractures resulting from minor bumps and falls
03. Frequent falls
04. A previous fracture
05. Bedridden for a prolonged period
06. Little or no physical activity
07. Low body weight
08. Small height
09. Periods stopped for more than 12 months
10. A diet low in Calcium & Vitamin D
11. High Alcohol intake
12. SMOKING
13. Certain medications in long term use ( your doctor will tell you )
14. Age more than 40 years
15. Chronic diseases like Liver and kidney diseases
16. Malabsorption syndromes
17. Hyperthyroidism
18. Cushing Syndromes

DIFFERENT TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS

Once the severity of mineral loss is ascertained, your Geriatrician / Doctor will offer you one of the therapies as treatment that suits you most depending upon the severity of your disease. The various treatments available include :
Calcium Supplements
Bisphosphonates
HRT ( Hormone Replacement Therapies)
SERMs ( Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators)

CARE OF BONES (apart the treatment)

Get enough Calcium & Vitamin D.
Dairy products ( Cheese / Paneer )

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