Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the progressive decrease in bone density and thinning of bone tissue, which weakens the bones and makes them more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis is the most common type of metabolic bone disease. There are currently an estimated 10 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis as well as another 18 million who have low bone mass, or osteopenia. Researchers estimate that 13–18 percent of American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis .

How does osteoporosis develop?

Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone or when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both. Calcium and phosphate are the two minerals essential for normal bone formation. Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals to produce bones. If calcium intake is not sufficient, or if the body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer. Drinking soda, as phosphorus actually leaches calcium out of the bone, and getting inadequate amounts of magnesium and vitamin D in the diet also contribute to the onset of this disease.

Usually, the loss of bone density occurs gradually over years. Exercise is essential to maintain bone health. The density of bones declines rapidly in people who are confined to bed and in those whose daily activity is reduced.

While there are a number of causes of osteoporosis, hormone deficiencies are the leading cause. Women, especially over the age of 50, are the most frequent sufferers of the disease. This is due to the loss of ovarian function and subsequent reduction in estrogen production that occurs at the time of menopause. Osteoporosis also may occur as a result of long-term treatment with oral steroids.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

There are no symptoms associated with the early disease. As such, osteoporosis presents a silent risk factor for fracture. Symptoms occurring late in the disease are fractures of the vertebrae, wrists or hips (usually the first indication), low back pain, neck pain, bone pain and tenderness, loss of height over time, and stooped posture.

Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of osteoporosis but they do not address the root of the problem. By addressing the underlying causes of osteoporosis through better nutrition, natural supplements and natural hormone replacement, the progression of this crippling condition can be halted.

Osteopenia

Osteopenia is a progressive decrease in the density of the bones, and is categorized as the stage before osteoporosis. An estimated 18 million people, mostly women, currently have low bone mass, or osteopenia.

How does osteopenia develop?

Osteopenia occurs either when the body fails to form enough new bone, when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or when both occur. Calcium and phosphate are essential for normal bone formation. Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals to produce bones. However, if calcium intake is not sufficient, or if the body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer. In addition to a low intake of calcium and phosphate, other risk factors for osteopenia include a genetic predisposition, a sedentary lifestyle, a petite stature and small bone structure, long-term use of steroids or heparin, cigarette smoking and declining levels of estrogen after menopause. Osteopenia usually occurs gradually over the course of many years.

What are the symptoms of osteopenia?

There are no symptoms associated with the early stages of osteopenia. As such, osteopenia is a silent risk factor for fractures. Symptoms occurring during later stages include fractures of the vertebrae, wrists or hips (usually the first indication); low back pain; neck pain; bone pain and tenderness; loss of height over time; and a stooped posture.

Discover why we believe that Natural Medicine treatments are the best way to treat osteoporosis and osteopenia.

The treatment regimens suggested here are based on the experience North Tacoma Family Health & Apothecary. They do not apply to every case or condition. A person using these recommendations without the aid of a personal physician does so at their own risk. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is essential to have your condition evaluated by your own personal physician. For an appointment please call (253)503-8792. or email us at contact@northtacomafamilyhealth.org