Osteoporosis, Definition and Causes

2008-09-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition of decreased bone mass. This leads to fragile bones which are at an increased risk for fractures. In fact, it will take much less stress to an osteoporotic bone to cause it to fracture. The term "porosis" means spongy, which describes the appearance of osteoporosis bones when they are broken in half and the inside is examined. Normal bone marrow has small holes within it, but a bone with osteoporosis will have much larger holes. This picture shows a bone with osteoporosis on the top with large spongy holes, and a normal bone on the top with normal small passageways. In severe osteoporosis, this can be exaggerated much more than shown here!

What are the Causes of Osteoporosis?

The strength of your bones depends on their size and density; bone density depends in part on the amount of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals bones contain. When your bones contain fewer minerals than normal, they're less strong and eventually lose their internal supporting structure. The process of bone remodeling.

Scientists have yet to learn all the reasons why this occurs, but the process involves how bone is made. Bone is continuously changing — new bone is made and old bone is broken down — a process called remodeling, or bone turnover. A full cycle of bone remodeling takes about two to three months. When you're young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone, and your bone mass increases.

You reach your peak bone mass in your mid-30s. After that, bone remodeling continues, but you lose slightly more than you gain. At menopause, when estrogen levels drop, bone loss in women increases dramatically.

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Medicines to treat the Osteoporosis.

2007-12-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

¿What is Evista?

Evista alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. It reduces loss of bone tissue. Although studies are not complete, Evista appears to work without increasing the risk of breast or uterine cancer. Evista is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (decreased density of bone mass) in postmenopausal women. Evista may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

¿What is the most important information I should know about Evista?

Do not take Evista if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. Evista is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Evista is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking Evista. Treatment with Evista may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest. Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while taking Evista. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience and of the following side effects that may indicate a blood clot formation: sharp pain in the legs; swelling of the legs; sudden chest pain; coughing up blood; or changes in vision.

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OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION

Osteoporosis, Definition and Causes

Medicines to treat the Osteoporosis.