Osteoporosis in Men and Women
Osteoporosis affects 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50.
What is Osteoporosis?
The x-ray department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. Please go to the x-ray reception when you arrive.
What do you need to do before the x-ray?
Osteoporosis literally means “porous bones”. The inside of a normal bone looks like a honeycomb, but in Osteoporosis the holes in the honeycomb become bigger making the bones more brittle. So that a minor knock, bump or fall can result in a broken bone.
Symptoms That May Indicate a Bone Problem
A fracture after a minor knock, bump or fall. Loss of height. Unexplained back pain or curvature of the spine.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
Men
Low levels of male hormone, testosterone.
Women
Age related hormone deficiency.
Risk for osteoporosis in men and women
- Long term use of Cortico-steroid tablets,
- Family history of Osteoporosis, particularly if your mother or father has broken their hip,
- Problems with absorbing food (Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis),
- Immobility,
- Excess alcohol intake,
- Smoking,
- Low BMI,
- Rheumatoid Arthritis,
- Low calcium diet,
- Liver problems,
- Certain breast or prostate cancer drugs.
To Help Your Bones
Calcium rich diet including milk, dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt, including low fat varieties. Green, leafy vegetables, dried fruit, oily fish and tofu.
Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium, and the best source is sunlight. Aim for 15-20 minutes per day in the summer and be careful not to burn.
Smoking, cut down or give up.
Alcohol, reduce to within Government guidelines.
Falls, if you have any problems with walking or balancing you may benefit from an assessment from the Falls Team. Your GP will be able to refer you. Also, reduce your risk of falls by tackling hazards in the home e.g., trailing wires, loose carpets or rugs.
Treatments
Blood tests to identify any underlying secondary causes of Osteoporosis. The aim of treatment is to lower your risk of future fractures.
One of the main treatments for Osteoporosis is Bisphosphate e.g., Alendronate (Fosamax) or Risedronate (Actonel). A specialist doctor may use another type of drug because other drugs have been ineffective or caused marked side effects, or not suit you because of other medical problems you have. The doctor or the nurse will discuss the most suitable treatment with you. You will remain on this treatment for a number of years, so you need to be happy with it. If you have any problems, do not hesitate to contact us directly or discuss with your GP.