Skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density (calcium and collagen) due to imbalance in the cycle of bone reconstruction (less formed bone tissue is destroyed), which causes bones to become porous, thin and fragile, therefore, susceptible to fracture at the slightest effort or not.

This situation is exacerbated by poor calcium intake (contained in milk, cheese, cream and yogurt) and vitamin D (ensure that mineral absorption, and is found in liver oil, sardines, salmon, tuna, liver, milk and butter ), low estrogen production (hormones that maintain good bones, teeth and hair), poor exposure to sunlight and a sedentary lifestyle (little exercise), among other factors.

Importantly, much like what happens to the skin cells, bone is destroyed and replaced on an ongoing basis to keep the skeleton strong and healthy, however, when the destruction is faster than the regeneration, have osteoporosis. Importantly, over time, women who suffer from this condition can lose up to half of their bone mass.

Although osteoporosis is a disease that primarily affects postmenopausal women, at least 20% of people who suffer are men, and the rate is increasing as they live longer.

Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. It is caused by lack of estrogen, hormones that the body stops producing when you have the last menstruation.

Senile Osteoporosis. It occurs in people over 70 years and is caused by deficiency of calcium and vitamin D, as well as imbalance between the rate of degradation and bone regeneration. It is twice as common in women than in men.

Secondary osteoporosis. It occurs as a consequence of other diseases such as chronic renal failure and certain hormonal disorders related to thyroid or adrenal glands, and that unbalance the calcium absorption process favoring the softening of the bones, is also associated with the administration of certain drugs, such as those containing cortisone. Less than 5% of people suffer from this type of osteoporosis.

Juvenile idiopathic osteoporosis. It is rare, of unknown cause occurs in children and young adults but has no hormonal disorder or vitamin deficiency.

Causes
Imbalance between the rate of degradation and bone regeneration.
Poor or no production of estrogen due to menopause.
Low intake of calcium and vitamin D from an early age.
Anomaly in the absorption of nutrients mentioned above.
Smoking may promote the acceleration of the process.
Prolonged treatment with cortisone-based medication.
Heredity.
Lack of exercise is a risk factor, since this activity stimulates bone formation. In addition, the frequent rest causes the calcium is removed from the body through the urinary tract.
Women are more affected than men because their amount of bone tissue is 30% lower.
Snuff consumption, alcohol and caffeine promote calcium excretion through the urine.

Symptoms
There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease because the bone density decreases gradually.
In advanced stages there is pain in back, hips, wrists and amtebrazos of sudden worsening when standing or walking.
Chronic pain may occur in the back, in addition, where the vertebrae that form the spine are very weak may rupture spontaneously or following mild stroke.
The most serious manifestation of osteoporosis is the occurrence of fractures in vertebrae, wrists, hips and shins.
Reduced height due to curvature of the spine.

Diagnosis
Is made by bone density tests, determining the density (thickness and texture) of the bones to determine the risk of fractures. This method can measure the amount of bone tissue contained in the body with the help of a device, the result is compared with the levels of bone mass that has a healthy population, information obtained by taking into account age, sex , race, height and weight of the patient.
Conventional radiography can detect fractures, however, only show bone loss when more than 30%.

Prevention
Preventive action should begin from childhood, go through puberty, the reproductive period and reinforced during pregnancy (at this stage the woman's bones tend to weaken because the baby takes its nutrients) and menopause, which allow structures achieve greater bone strength.
You need to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, sun-bathing and exercising, which can be supported with calcium supplements, multivitamins, supplements and food supplements and fortified products.
Women who are postmenopausal are advised to take calcium supplements with added vitamin D because it allows the mineral is best to set bones.

Treatment
Be followed balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, which must be supplemented with nutritional supplements.
When vertebrae break, causing intense pain in the back braces are recommended.
Do not consume coffee, alcohol or smoking, can be used to des-habituates of snuff.

Consult your doctor.