Osteoporosis and the naughty osteoclast 😛😉
This funny illustration is just to show the root cause of osteoporosis. In nature, usually everything goes well only when all's working in a balanced way. Likewise our body too follows the same mechanism. If there is some disturbance in the normal balance, then there arises a problem. Usually the "bone making cells" or the osteoblasts and the "bone breaking cells" or the osteoclasts, work in a balanced way. So that as the old cells of the bones are wiped away, the new ones replace them consistently. But when there is any disturbance in this balance, then the whole process is in a chaos. As in, if the osteoblasts function is increasing than the osteoclasts, then there is the condition of osteosclerosis or excessive bone formation in the body. Likewise if the osteoclasts is overworking, then the condition of osteoporosis or the thinning and breaking of bones occur. So what could be the possible triggers?? * Menopause - the greatest risk for osteoporosis because of the estrogen level drop. (Estrogen protects women from bone loss.) *Family history *Females *Lifestyle factors- Smoking, Alcohol *Getting little or no exercise * Being small-framed or thin * Medical conditions- such as hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism *Medicines- These include heparin (a blood thinner), anti-seizure medications phenytoin (Dilantin) and phenobarbital and long term use of corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) Prevention is always better than cure.. So the best way to prevent the disease is to know the risk factors and stop the avoidable factors from our daily lives. 💁♀️ Treatment - ~1st and best tx is - Modify the diet - Food sources of calcium include nonfat milk, low-fat yogurt, plant-based milks or orange juices that are fortified with calcium, broccoli, cauliflower, salmon, tofu and leafy green vegetables. ~In case of deficiencies, vitamin d supplements are recommended. ~Bisphosphonates are the most common medications prescribed such as Alendronate, Risedronate, Ibandronate, Zoledronic acid ~ After menopause - HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) can be used. Either estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin is known to help preserve bone and prevent fracture.