1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men will develop Osteoporosis during their life time. Particularly after the age of 50.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone weakening disease caused when the bones become porous and brittle, making them easily broken. A minor fall or bump could cause fracture, mostly of wrist, spine or hip, and can be associated to the time of hormonal change.

Early signs of calcium depletion :

• Muscle cramps
• High blood pressure
• Fractures from minor injury
• Premature ageing
• Fatigue

Osteoporosis High Risk Groups

• Women in early menopause before 45
• Women having had a hysterectomy, before menopausal age, especially with the removal of the ovaries.
• Those on long-term medication: such as steroids or Cortisone – for illnesses
• Irregular or infrequent periods during early life, due to stress, over exercise or diet.

These high risk groups have an early loss of oestrogeon when the ovaries produce lower levels, or stop producing oestrogen altogether.

Contributing factors

Poor eating habits and low dairy intake give only the minimum of calcium required.

Smoking or drinking, damage and destroy bone building cells.

Sunshine plays an important part in production of vitamin D: a bone hardner and is essential to bone building. General exposure to sunshine, without overexposure aids the production

Exercise, weight bearing and regular movement maintain healthy bones.

A Family history of Osteoporosis may put you at risk later in life

Prevention and detection

A sensible and varied diet

• Increase dairy produce – milk, yoghurt, cheese
• Oily fish, boned and tinned – sardines
• Green vegetables
• Soya and phytoestrogen; products
• Isoflavones

Supplements

• Vitamins – especially Vitamin D ( required for absorption of calcium ) and Vitamin C
• Minerals – zinc, potassium, etc.

Exercise

• 20-30 minutes three times a week
• Weight bearing
• Brisk walking
• Swimming
• Weights

Natural oestrogen and progesterone creams. Hormone Replacement Therapy

For supplementary information contact the National Osteoporosis Society