Derived from the latin, osteoporosis literally ...

What is osteoporosis? developed and compiled ProjectAWARE Group 2001

derived from Latin, osteoporosis literally means porous bones that

includes both mineral (inorganic) and non-mineral (organic matrix)

components of bone. Osteoporosis is a progressive disease of bone in which bone tissue is usually

mineralized, but the bone is reduced and the structural integrity of

broken, it becomes increasingly fragile. becomes more porous and thinner. While the thin bone itself

not necessarily more prone to fracture, the bone that is both thin and fragile

more prone to fractures. 6, 34

Bone strength reflects the integration of two main features: bone density

and quality of bone tissue. Bone density expressed in grams per unit area of ​​mineral

or volume, and in any individual is determined by peak bone mass

and the number of bone loss. Bone quality refers to architecture, turnover

accumulation of damage (eg microcracks) and mineralization. Osteoporosis

is an important risk factor for fractures, and the difference between risk

factors that affect bone metabolism and risk factors for fracture should be done

. Although the whole skeleton can be involved in postmenopausal osteoporosis,

bone loss is usually more in the spine, hip and ribs, and >> << status changes with progression of disease. Small, thin bone woman

there is another cause for concern than women with larger frames and heavier bones.

Race and ethnicity also appears to play a role. Women of Asian or European origin

more likely to develop osteoporosis, whereas women

African descent are less likely to be affected. Osteoporosis can be further characterized as primary or secondary. Primary osteoporosis can occur in both sexes in all age groups, but often need

menopause in women and occurs later in life in men. Unlike secondary >> << osteoporosis is the result of drugs lasix without prescription, other conditions or diseases. Examples include

induced osteoporosis,, and

-. occurs throughout adult life, with

old bones and a new bone. These cells continuously renew the skeleton while maintaining

its strength and density. Typically, the adult skeleton, 3 percent

cortical bone and 25 percent spongy bone rebuilt every year. How to lower hormone levels, fragments move forward >> and << explosions behind, leading to increased bone loss and decreased bone

replacement. After menopause, bone loss associated with

increase the number and activity of osteoclasts in spongy bone >>. << Known that estrone stimulates osteoblasts

(and, >> << forming muscle tissue). DHEA also plays a role in bone, DHEA flavored

in estrone. Testosterone, easily

in estradiol, no doubt also plays a role, in fact, one study found free >> << testosterone better biomarkers in postmenopausal spinal bone integrity. Estrogen is produced in the body plays an important role in maintaining the structure of the

and calcification of bones. With the fall in estrogen levels during menopause,

this important support removed, and the ability to absorb and assimilate

calcium is often reduced at this time. Osteoporosis involves a more balanced hormones. This is a complex >> << status with lifestyle, diet and environmental factors as well. The study concluded that prevention is the most important step, and

women of all ages should be encouraged to take from 1000 to 1500 mg of calcium

, extra day to participate in regular weight-bearing exercise,

to avoid drugs known to compromise bone density, institute hormone replacement therapy

during menopause in the absence of contraindications and avoid tobacco

and excessive alcohol consumption. World Health Organization has established a committee in 1994 to define osteoporosis. This committee created four diagnostic categories: normal, osteopenia, osteoporosis

and established osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects 75 million people in the United States, Europe and Japan

, and results in more than 1. 3000000 fractures annually

United States. Because osteoporosis is usually asymptomatic until >> << fracture occurs, family physicians should determine the appropriate >> << terms and methods for the selection of those at risk. More Collections :: main clinical content Medscape, always updated. You can find >>

<< comprehensive on this site. (Registration is not required, but it's free).

Link added January 1, 2004.