What human body system does Osteoporosis affect?

Osteoporosis affects the skeletal system of the human body. The skeletal system runs all throughout the body and helps give the body support. The skeletal system consists mostly of bones, there are 206 bones in the human body.

Osteoporosis more specifically, attacks the bones. Bones are not completely solid, on the insides they have a spongy like build. Think of it as a block of ramen noodles. The Osteoporosis is like a hammer that comes in and breaks up the inside of the bones.

 What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is when bones begin to lose mass on the inside of the bones. This causes them to become frail and brittle. When the bones start to lose all of this mass, they break easier than normal. Most people affected by Osteoporosis are older people.

It is not known why, but women are more susceptible to Osteoporosis. Also, women are affected worse and at younger ages than men. 

What are some signs and symptoms of Osteoporosis? 

There are almost no symptoms Osteoporosis because you are only able to figure out your bones are becoming weak once you break them and go into the doctor.

Once you go to the doctor you could be diagnosed. The doctor would have to run some tests and take x-rays to determine a solid diagnosis.

How is Osteoporosis treated?

After you break a bone due to Osteoporosis the doctor will put you in a cast to prevent the bone from moving any more like any broken bone. Once the bone heals, you can be prescribed some medications to try and make your bones stronger.

The most common medication used to treat Osteoporosis is Bisphosphonates. There is also a controversial hormone therapy where estrogen is given to the patient.

What could happen if Osteoporosis was left untreated?

If you don’t seek treatment for Osteoporosis, then your bones will continue to break down unchecked. This will result in you breaking more bones. Once you have multiple broken bones at once, it makes life almost debilitating.

If Osteoporosis is not treated even the smallest falls could cause you to break bones. This is bad for older people who don’t have good balance anymore.

What is the quality of life for the individual?

Quality of life is very bad with Osteoporosis, any physical activity runs the risk of breaking bones. Over time, your vertebrae begins to breaking own, causing you to have a painful hunch in your back.