World Osteoporosis Day 2018: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Options and Why This Bone Disease Affects Men and Women Differently

October 20 is observed as World Osteoporosis day. The day dedicated to the bone condition Osteoporosis aims at increasing the awareness related to bone health. Osteoporosis is partially preventable disease and has a lot to do with the lifestyle you opt for. A good lifestyle can help you prevent or delay osteoporosis. Therefore it is essential that people are aware of the condition thoroughly to help fight the disease. Often this disease is brushed under the mat in the name of pain and lethargy, and sometimes people tend to confuse it with arthritis. What Is the Difference Between Arthritis and Osteoporosis? Why Are the Two Bone Diseases Confused with Each Other?

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone health issue wherein the density of the bone deteriorates. In the literal sense, "Osteoporosis" means "porous bones," which can be explained as bones becoming weaker, and more prone to fractures. The body parts that are more prone to osteoporosis are the hip, spinal vertebrae, and wrist.

Causes of Osteoporosis

Maintenance of the Bone density in our body is a natural process, and a person is in their late 20s will experience the best of it. However, after the age of around 35 years, bone starts to become weaker and less dense. This may make your bones easily breakable. Age is the leading factor that causes osteoporosis. Also, an unhealthy lifestyle. The lack of hormone estrogen is also to be blamed. Especially among menopausal women. This is because estrogen helps protect bones from osteoporosis.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis show very mild or negligible symptoms. Major symptoms are:

1. Become more prone to fractures

2. Sometimes developing a stooped posture.

3. May even experience a loss in height.

4. A persistent dull ache in the neck or lower back.

Treatment options for osteoporosis

1. Like said earlier, prevention is your key. Consulting a specialist may help you, if you think you are prone to the disease.

2. Maintaining healthy bone mineral density and bone mass helps a lot.

3. Try to prevent fractures.

4. If you have osteoporosis, take medical help to reduce pain

5. Opt for a preventive lifestyle measure that may include some supplements or drugs.

How osteoporosis affects men and women?

Here is an interesting trend- till the age of 50-55 men is more at risk of developing these diseases. But menopause in women worsens the equation.

Estrogen, the female hormone, lends a protective cover to the bone cartilage which reduces its wear and tear. After menopause, as the amount of Estrogen hormone in the female body lessens, women become more at risk of arthritis and osteoporosis.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2018 09:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).