Osteoporosis
Our bones change constantly - breaking down and being rebuilt as part of the living process. Two kinds of cells are important for this process, and they are known as osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoclasts renew old bone by dissolving it, leaving an empty space. The osteoblasts then fill this empty space with new bone. If the rate of renewal does not equal the rate of breakdown, the bones get tiny porosities or holes. If this continues over years, the result is osteoporosis.

(1) Causes

• heredity • lack of exercise • smoking • certain medication

• weight • low calcium • premature menopause • irregular menstrual cycles

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(2) Symptoms
• chronic lower back pain
• muscle spasms during periods of inactivity
• height loss, curving spine
• easily broken bones
• tooth loss around age 50

(3) Treatments
Preventing osteoporosis by maintaining a health diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and exercising regularly can help many women avoid the serious effects of osteoporosis. Women who have low bone mineral density or osteoporosis may also benefit from taking hormone replacement therapy or other drug therapies.

But remember, HRT increases the risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus)!