Osteoporosis In Women

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become so weak that it increases the risk of fracture. In osteoporosis, the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) reduces drastically and even the amount of calcium and minerals falls to a low range.

Due to the decrease in these essential nutrients, bones become weak and can no longer sustain stress and become very brittle. This condition of bones increases the risk of fracture in an individual suffering from Osteoporosis.

It has been found through research that women are more prone to Osteoporosis than men. This disease does not have any specific symptoms and hence is referred as silent thief.

Causes of Osteoporosis in women:

There are many reasons why women are largely affected by Osteoporosis; primarily because during menopause the level of estrogen decreases to a low level reducing the bone mineral density. Decrease in the amount of calcium intake can also be a reason for developing Osteoporosis. Inactive lifestyle, addiction to alcohol, smoking, thin body structure and improper diet can also lead to this condition.

Preventing Osteoporosis:

Since Osteoporosis is a silent thief, it is not logical to wait for the occurrence of the condition and then find ways to control it. Therefore, one should apply the principle of Prevention is better than cure in this case. One can easily prevent this condition from occurring in women by following a few things regularly.

Commitment to a health & balanced diet and regular exercise is the key to prevent Osteoporosis. Adequate intake of Calcium and Iron is also very necessary. Dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables are best sources for these vital nutrients. But if you prefer to use the supplements then make sure that your dose is approved by a medical professional. Sunbathing can also be a good option for the production of Vitamin D, but do not over expose in the sun.

If you feel that you have developed Osteoporosis, it is better to undergo a bone density scan under the guidance of your physician. This way your physician will be better able to guide you and suggest proper home remedies.