Osteoporosis Definition

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by abnormal bone loss, causing increased susceptibility to fracture.

There are two types of osteoporosis: Type I osteoporosis and Type II osteoporosis. Type I leads to an accelerated rate of resorption of bone (bone loses substance) and generally develops in women after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen. Type II involves the thinning of both the inner spongy bone and outer cortical bone causing hip and vertebral body fractures.

Women are at considerably higher risk to develop osteoporosis and should be attentive to preventative measures that include exercise, calcium and Vitamin D intake and prescreening for early signs of osteoporosis.

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