Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is loss of bone mass. This can lead to an increased risk of a fracture.  Most people reach their peak bone mass at age 16-25.  From then on we all gradually loose bone mass. Men loose  about 0.3% per year and women loose about 0.5% per year. For women after menopause there is accelerated loss of bone at a rate of 2-3% per year for 6-10 years! It is very important to have a high bone mass when you are young so that there is less of a chance of developing osteoporosis later in life.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

• Caucasian race
• Female sex
• Advanced age
• Current cigarette smoking
• Low body weight  (<127lbs)
• Low calcium intake
• Alcoholism
  

Universal Recommendations for Adults

• Adequate intake of dietary calcium (at least 1200mg/day) and vitamin D (400 to 800 IUs/day)
• Regular weight bearing and muscle building exercise
• Avoid tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
  

Who Should Have a Bone Mineral Density Test (BMD)

• Postmenopausal woman under the age of 65 who have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
• Postmenopausal women over the age of 65 regardless of risk factors
• Postmenopausal women who present with a fracture
• Women who are considering therapy for osteoporosis, if BMD would facilitate the decision
• Women who have been on hormone replacement therapy for prolonged periods

Source: The Physicians Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis