Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the name given to a condition which sees a loss in bone density create thin, fragile bones. Typically, injuries involving osteoporosis take place in the hips, wrists or spine. The causes behind it vary but a lot of it has to do with genetics. As children age, their bones increase in density. By early adulthood, a woman’s bones will be at around 90 percent their maximum density and will reach peak mass by roughly age 30. As women approach menopause, however, their bone density can begin to deteriorate.

Healthy bones go through a cycle: osteoblasts are cells which help in the creation of new bone and osteoclasts are in charge of absorbing old bone and recycling it so it can be used again later. Starting at around age 40, women begin to experience a drop off in bone density mainly due to pre-menopausal changes causing a decrease in estrogen production. Without sufficient levels of estrogen, those bone absorbing osteoclasts begin to take over, sucking up bone mass faster than it can be replaced. Treatment for osteoporosis involves hormone-based medications to boost estrogen levels which slows or in some cases can completely stop bone loss.