Osteoporosis is a bone disease that mainly affects women. It is a disease in which the bone loses density and its internal porosity increases. This results in a more fragile bone with less resistance to shocks, which leads to an increased risk of bone fractures.
According to specialists in Rheumatology, it is a very frequent disease in Spain, since it is the most important determinant of fracture in people over 50 years of age. The risk of these people presenting an osteoporotic fracture is 40% in the case of women and 13% in the case of men. Osteoporosis mainly affects women due to the estrogenic hormonal deficit, since it generates a loss of bone mass at menopause.
Osteoporosis risk factors
The main factors that influence the risk of developing osteoporosis are genetics, advanced age, being a woman, previous fractures, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol, intake deficits and the consumption of certain drugs.
The main consequence of osteoporosis, which is also its main symptom, is bone fracture. This type of fracture can be caused by low-impact blows, such as a fall on the ground, or it can occur spontaneously. The most frequent bone fractures are vertebral, hip and wrist fractures.
Osteoporosis: treatment
Treatment for osteoporosis aims to reduce the number of bone fractures. There are many treatments of various types such as oral, subcutaneous and intravenous. It is important to take a thorough medical history of the patient in order to be able to indicate the most appropriate treatment for his or her needs.