Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (which means "porous bones") is a disease where the bones lose their calcium content over a period of time, and so the bone density becomes less and less.

As a result the bones become weaker and thinner and even a small fall can result in a bone fracture (or break).

Put another way, osteoporosis is a thinning of the bones leading to an increased probability and incidence of bone fractures.

Osteoporosis also results in the lessened ability of one's bones to adequately support the weight of one's body.

Some thinning of one's bones is part of the normal process of ageing, but even if one has a family history of the disease, the onset of osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of old age.

Some people claim that drinking lots of milk can allow one to avoid the onset of osteoporosis. This is not true. While some of the components of milk (such as calcium) are important for the growth of bones, milk cannot prevent osteoporosis which is a condition of old age and the accompanying alterations in the balance of the body's hormones.

There is a special bone density test that can detect the presence of osteoporosis. Your doctor can arrange this for you.

In addition, your doctor can advise you on other steps to lessen your chances of getting osteoporosis, such as increasing your intake of calcium and undertaking a planned program of physical exercise.

A calcium-rich diet together with calcium supplements and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can slow further loss of bone density. Regular exercise strengthens the bones and prevents deterioration. If you have a bone fracture, you are normally advised to get moving as soon as possible -- for the same reasons: to strengthen the bones and to prevent further deterioration.

Some doctors prescribe alendronate, a drug which can help build bone and prevent fractures.