Risk factors--

• Age-Each decade after 40 is associated with 5 fold increased risk.
• Sex-More common in females.
• Immobility
• Hormonal disturbances

Do any drugs cause osteoporosis?
Yes. Long term steroids can cause osteoporosis.

Why is osteoporosis more common among postmenopausal women?
Post-menopausal women have a deficiency of estrogen. This estrogen is required for the maintenance of normal bone mass. Hence in deficiency of estrogen osteoporosis develops.

How can osteoporosis be diagnosed at the earliest?
Earliest diagnosis can be made with latest techniques such as Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Other methods are radiographic analysis & quantitative CT Scan.

Why is osteoporosis so risky?
Osteoporosis can lead to fractures. The main sites are vertebrae, wrist, hip.

Prevention & treatment--

• Hormone replacement therapy--Since postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with deficiency of estrogen; replacement of estrogen helps prevent it. However than adverse effects of the same have to be weighed. Trials are on to find out the risk-benefit ratio. The physician should be consulted for this treatment. For details click here.
• Post menopausal women--Daily intake of calcium should be 1000-1500mg(recommended).
• For treatment drugs like calcitonin & alendronate are used.
  

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