What Is Osteoporosis And Why Should People Be Concerned

The "normal" aging process gets blamed for a lot of maladies it perhaps
should not. While it's true that everything from a decline in eyesight and
hearing to some bone loss does go along with the normal process, osteoporosis
does not. Answering the question what is osteoporosis requires stepping outside
the boundaries of normal aging and realizing that this is a degenerative
condition that is not inevitable in many cases. Osteoporosis is not normal
aging.

To fully understand why the question of what is osteoporosis falls outside the
realm of normal aging, it's important to understand the condition itself and
also what is characterized as normal. As the body ages, it tends to experience a
slight reduction in bone mass as hormones that were once prevalent are no longer
present at all or are decreased in levels. Osteoporosis, however, is an
acceleration of this. This particular disorder weakens the bones further,
leading a much greater increased potential for breaks and fractures. People with
osteoporosis often suffer from spine and hip fractures and even can find
themselves breaking bones simply by moving or sitting.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of osteoporosis are very hard to detect until it is
too late. This is a silent condition at first, as the bones slowly weaken and
lose their natural density.

Understanding the risk factors for osteoporosis and taking measures to prevent
the condition from developing can work. Some of the most common risk factors for
developing osteoporosis include:

· Being a woman. Females are four times more likely than males to develop this
condition. It is not unheard of, however, for men to find themselves asking what
is osteoporosis. In women, the condition tends to kick start around the time of
menopause.

· Racial factors. Caucasians and Asians are more likely to develop
osteoporosis.

· Loss bone density. People with thin or small body statures are more likely
to experience the development of osteoporosis as they age. Since bone mass isn't
high to begin with, the loss of more can be very noticeable.

· Genetics. Family history does appear to play a role in the development of
osteoporosis.

· Drug use. Cigarette smoking and extreme alcohol consumption have been tied
to the development of osteoporosis.

· Poor diet. Those who have diets low in calcium and other needed minerals
for bone development and maintenance tend to be more prone to the onset of
osteoporosis.

· Sedentary lifestyle. People who do not get necessary exercise are more
likely to face osteoporosis. Exercise in some forms can lead to bone
development, which will stave off osteoporosis in some cases.

· Low estrogen levels. This is especially the case with normal or surgical
menopause. When the body decreases its production of estrogen, the development
of bone mass and the maintenance of it can be impacted.

· Disease. Some diseases have been known to contribute to the development of
this condition.

· Improper absorption of nutrients. When the body doesn't use protein,
vitamin D and other nutrients as it should, the impact can result in the
development of osteoporosis.

If the risk factors for finding out personally what is osteoporosis are high,
there are things that can be done to help avoid the condition. Some women begin
taking calcium and vitamin D supplements early in life, which is useful.
Quitting smoking, adopting an exercise routine and more can all help, as well.

Osteoporosis involves the gradual breakdown of the bones. If it is left
unchecked, those who suffer from this condition are subject to fractures and
breaks. The brittle bones that result from this condition can even break when
little or nothing is done to them. Preventing osteoporosis and working to
maintain or even build bone mass after it develops can help.

Dawn M. Olsen is an Advocate for Better Women?s Health through Education, Recipe Developer, Soy Food Enthusiast and the Author of "Menopause A to Z - A Definitive Guide to Modern Menopause available online now at http://www.menopauseatoz.com/ Find out more about how to deal with Osteoporosis and Menopause.

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