Bone Health
Osteoporosis (porous bones) is a progressive bone disease that is
characterized by a decrease in bone density with an increased risk of
fractures. Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO)
as a bone mineral density of 2.5 standard deviations or more below the
mean peak bone mass (average of young, healthy adults) as measured by
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The most common form of osteoporosis
occurs in women after menopause. Senile osteoporosis occurs after age 75
and is seen in both females and males at a ratio of 2:1. Secondary
osteoporosis occurs at any age and affects men and women equally.
Chronic predisposing medical problems or prolonged use of medications
such as glucorticoids cause secondary osteoporosis. A number of
medications can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
