Decreases in bone density are often related to osteoporosis, a degenerative disease where the bones thin and become more porous with time, increasing the risk of fractures to the wrist, hip and even spine. According to the National Institutes of Health, it's by far the most common type of bone disease in America, affecting one out of five women over the age of 50. However, taking steps to improve the strength of your bones can greatly influence the progression of this disease.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis doesn't typically cause any symptoms until the bone loss has progressed beyond its early stages. Once the bones have weakened and lost their density to a certain degree, you may begin to experience some back pain. You may also notice loss of height and stooped posture, explains the Mayo Clinic.
Development
The loss of bone density is often attributed to age. As you get older, minerals needed to maintain bone strength are absorbed by the body instead of the bones themselves, notes the National Institutes of Health. This weakens the bone tissue and reduces its density. Drops in estrogen associated with menopause and declines in testosterone can also contribute to bone loss. Even certain medications, such as prednisone or anticonvulsants, are known to affect bone density, as well.
Identification
As you get older, it's often helpful to have a bone density test to determine your risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. Bone density tests are one of the least invasive tests in medicine, as they use X-rays to measure the mineral density within a segment of a bone.
Prevention
One of the most effective ways of preventing the loss of bone density is diet. Making sure you get enough calcium, vitamin D and vitamin C, which aids in calcium absorption, can affect bone loss. The Mayo Clinic recommends 1,000 mg a day between the ages of 19 and 50. The amount increases to 1,200 mg after this age range.
Another component of maintaining your bone density is exercise. Both strength-training and weight-bearing activities are the best, so lift weights, climb stairs and bike to help maintain the health of your bones.
Treatment
If bone loss is more advanced, prescription medications may be necessary to slow the progression of the disease. Bisphosphonates, raloxifene, calcitonin and teriparatide can all be used for this purpose. Women may also benefit from hormone replacement therapy, especially during menopause. Some people also experience an improvement in symptoms with physical therapy.
