Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which a decrease in the density of bones weakens the bones, making fractures likely.
Loss of Bone Density in Women
In women, bone density (or mass) progressively increases until about age 30, when bones are at their strongest. After that, bone density gradually decreases. The rate of bone loss accelerates after menopause, which occurs on average around age 51. A major cause of osteoporosis is a lack of estrogen, particularly the rapid decrease that occurs at menopause.
Symptoms
At first, osteoporosis causes no symptoms because bone density loss occurs very gradually. Some people never develop symptoms. Eventually, however, bone density may decrease enough for bones to collapse or fracture, causing severe sudden pain or gradually developing aching bone pain and deformities. In long bones, such as the bones of the arms and legs, the fracture usually occurs at the ends of the bones rather than in the middle. The bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) are particularly at risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. The fracture usually occurs in the middle to lower back.
If you have any of the symptoms above, please contact Dr. Linda Gedeon for proper evaluation and to discuss the best treatment options for you.
Loss of Bone Density in Women
In women, bone density (or mass) progressively increases until about age 30, when bones are at their strongest. After that, bone density gradually decreases. The rate of bone loss accelerates after menopause, which occurs on average around age 51. A major cause of osteoporosis is a lack of estrogen, particularly the rapid decrease that occurs at menopause.
Symptoms
At first, osteoporosis causes no symptoms because bone density loss occurs very gradually. Some people never develop symptoms. Eventually, however, bone density may decrease enough for bones to collapse or fracture, causing severe sudden pain or gradually developing aching bone pain and deformities. In long bones, such as the bones of the arms and legs, the fracture usually occurs at the ends of the bones rather than in the middle. The bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) are particularly at risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. The fracture usually occurs in the middle to lower back.
If you have any of the symptoms above, please contact Dr. Linda Gedeon for proper evaluation and to discuss the best treatment options for you.
