What is bone density measurement
What is bone density measurement
Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease since it remains largely unnoticed until a bone fracture occurs. The only way to detect and treat osteoporosis in time is to measure the bone mineral density.
Causes of osteoporosis
Causes of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis remains a mystery. Unfortunately, the cause of this disease is still undiscovered. However, we are familiar with certain factors that may greatly increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Causes of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis development risk factors:
gender (women develop osteoporosis more often than men since they are more vulnerable due to hormonal protection loss following menopause as well as because of early menopause. Furthermore, women also have a higher risk of bone fractures)
Age (with age, there is greater risk of developing osteoporosis, as age reduces bone density)
Low body weight (relative to height)
Smaller bone structures
Heredity
Diet (insufficient intake of calcium-rich foods)
Vitamin D deficiency
Insufficient exercise
Smoking
Excess alcohol intake
Early menopause before the age of 45 (natural or after hysterectomy)
- Long-term steroid abuse
- Use of other medications
- Health conditions (rheumatoid arthritis or hyperthyroidism)
Various glucocorticoid medications, which are used to treat asthma, arthritis, chronic intestinal diseases, lupus, etc., can also contribute to a reduction in bone density. Specific medications used for prostate cancer and breast cancer treatment may also cause osteoporosis.
If osteoporosis is merely a comorbidity (e.g., to insufficient gland function in women or men, thyroid disease associated with the excessive secretion of thyroid hormones, excessive adrenal gland function, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, liver disease, bone marrow disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), it is referred to as secondary osteoporosis, meaning that the underlying disease must also be treated in order to improve bone density.
Briefly information on bone composition
Briefly information on bone composition
Bones are primarily composed of a collagen framework with calcium and phosphate deposits. This makes them strong and flexible, helping them withstand heavy loads. Throughout our lives, bones are continuously regenerated.
Briefly information on bone composition
The old bone breaks down and new bone is created. This way, the entire skeleton is basically regenerated every ten years. Peak bone mass is reached by the age of 30, after which the bone mass begins to decline gradually. This bone density reduction process accelerates significantly in women during the first five years after menopause.
