Osteoporosis affects the bone by thinning of the bone substance. The bones become more porous and break more easily than healthy bones. Fractures of the wrist, spine, and hips are common. Other symptoms include pain, resulting from increased strain on the muscles and ligaments. Low calcium intake, insufficient physical exercise, certain medical drugs (such as cortisone) and hereditary factors are risk factors for osteoporosis. About 10% of all women in Germany have osteoporosis. According to a study published in 1997 adequate consumption of milk ( about 1/4 litre) in adolescence is a preventive measure against osteoporosis on old people. Adults should also consume dairy
products.
The most common form is primary osteoporosis. This form includes postmenopausal (type I) osteoporosis in women, which is caused by a reduction in the body’s own production of oestrogen during the menopause. Another form is senile or age-related (type II) osteoporosis, which manifests itself after the 70th year in life and can affect men as well as women. Secondary osteoporoses occur mainly as accompanying conditions to other illnesses, such as metabolic or hormonal disturbances or after overuse of bones (for example, after
paralysis).
The most important preventive and treatment measure for osteoporosis is regular physical exercise and sports.
