Osteoporosis

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Essay on Osteoporosis


The topic I have chosen is Osteoporosis, a condition of increased skeletal fragility. Clinically Osteoporosis is ordinarily explained in relation to the bone density. In after growth the strength of the bone depends on two factors – the peak firmness of bone gained in early stages of life and later age related and hormone weakness related bone loss.

In the event of calcium deficiency state (decreased dietary intake, malabsorption or increased loss) calcium requirements are met by skeletal calcium release leading to a negative calcium balance. Over a prolonged period of time this may lead to Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease of brittle bones. Loss of bone mineral (calcium) leads to weakening of the skeleton, fragility and bony fractures.

In Osteoporosis the bone condition is characterized by a decrease in mass, resulting in bones that are more easily fractured than normal bones. The most common fractures are that of the wrist, spine, and hip. Nonetheless, all bones can be affected.

Both men and women are at risk of developing Osteoporosis. Men tend to develop Osteoporosis later in life. White females are the most at risk, but other risk factors include low calcium intake; insufficient physical activity; certain drugs, such as corticosteroids, and a family history of the disease.

Primary Osteoporosis is the most common form of the disease. Postmenopausal, or oestrogen-deficient, Osteoporosis (Type 1), which is observed in women whose ovaries have ceased to produce the hormone Oestrogen; age-related Osteoporosis (Type 2), which affects those over the age of 70; and Idiopathic Osteoporosis, a rare disorder of unknown cause that affects premenopausal women and men who are middle aged or younger.

Secondary Osteoporosis may be caused by bone disuse as a result of paralysis or other conditions, including weightlessness in space; endocrine and nutritional disorders, including anorexia nerv...