Get to Know More about Osteoporosis

So far, osteoporosis has been synonymous with older people, but the fact is that osteoporosis can affect anyone, including at a young age. Osteoporosis itself is a degenerative disease. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) revealed that 1 in 4 women with an age range of 50–80 years has a risk of developing osteoporosis, and the risk of osteoporosis is 4 times higher than in men. Osteoporosis is a disease that affects most postmenopausal women. The disease shows real physical signs until the occurrence of porous or cracks in old age. The loss of the hormone estrogen after menopause can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone density and quality. This causes the bones to become brittle and prone to fractures (fractures). Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. This bone disease often causes fractures in the spine, pelvis, and wrists.

There are 2 types of osteoporosis, namely:

• Primary osteoporosis can develop without any underlying cause or suddenly. This type occurs because of a decrease in the hormone estrogen in old age or occurs after menopause, which triggers bone loss.
• Secondary osteoporosis occurs because of certain diseases or as a result of treatment and surgery.

 

Osteoporosis Risk Factors

These risk factors for osteoporosis include many conditions, including:

• The gender. Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis than men.
• Age. As a degenerative disease, osteoporosis attacks individuals as they age.
• Genetic factors.
•  Consumption of drugs.
• And lifestyle.

 

The Impact of Osteoporosis Patients

• Physical factors: body shape or posture changes. For example, being shorter or crooked.
• Psychological factors: limited movement can cause stress because the desire to do activities is blocked or limited.
• Social factors: limited socialization due to limited mobility and need for help from others.

 

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is also known as the silent disease, because people with it will not feel any symptoms in the early stages. However, once the bones weaken due to osteoporosis, the patient will feel the symptoms. The following symptoms can be experienced:

• Back pain is caused by a collapsed or fractured spine.
• decreased height.
• Stooped posture develops. 
• Bones break easily.

 

Prevention

Prevention of osteoporosis can be done by the following:

• Adequate calcium intake of 700mg/day and vitamin D intake of 400 IU/day 
• Do exercise regularly.
• Don't smoking and don't drink alcohol.
• Consult a doctor about bone health.
• Perform bone density testing and medical therapy if necessary.

 

Osteoporosis Treatment

Treatment includes preventing and treating fractures. as well as using drugs to strengthen bones. The following drugs can be given to treat osteoporosis:

• Denosumab. Denosumab produces better bone density and reduces the chances of fracture.
• Bisphosphonates This drug is often prescribed by doctors to men and women who have an increased risk of fracture.
• Bone-building drugs If you have severe osteoporosis and general treatments don't work, your doctor may prescribe bone-building drugs.
• Estrogen therapy started after menopause can help to maintain bone density.

Therefore, for someone who is at high risk of osteoporosis, it is recommended to have a bone health check with a doctor. If Hermina's friend has symptoms of osteoporosis, immediately consult a doctor, especially if you have a broken bone due to a fall. Adequate intake of calcium, vitamins, and diligent exercise can prevent us from experiencing the risk of developing osteoporosis.