Osteoporosis is an age-related disease in which bone demineralization results in decreased bone density and fractures. Symptoms include frequent fractures, especially of vertebrae, wrists, or hips. Kyphosis of the dorsal spine, with a decrease in height of up to two to three inches, and back pain can occur.

Treatment for thinning bones includes increasing calcium in the diet. Good food sources of calcium includes low-fat and fat-free milk, dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, and bok choy and foods with added calcium like orange juice, soy beverages and breakfast cereals. Adults between ages 19 and 50 should be getting 1,100 mg and those over 51 years old should be getting 1,200 mg daily. Vitamin D is also another useful mineral, and good food sources include enriched milk and milk products, such as butter and cream, and foods like eggs and liver. Sunlight is also another valuable source of vitamin D. Getting sufficient supplies of calcium and vitamin D are especially important for women in the first few years of menopause, when bone mass is lost at a rapid pace.

 

Taking estrogen brings a woman's estrogen levels back to premenopausal levels. Estrogen replacement slows bone thinning and causes some increase in bone thickness. The Woman's Health Initiative study showed that hormone replacement therapy lowered the risk of osteoporosis-related hip fractures and other fractures in postmenopausal women. While hormone replacement therapy is not recommended as a first choice, it is only recommended for those at a higher risk for osteoporosis and those who cannot take any other medications to prevent the disease from progressing.

A moderate exercise plan is very helpful in relieving osteoporosis symptoms. Exercise has been proven as an effective, inexpensive and healthy way to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Exercise is great for osteoporosis prevention because it places stress on bones, resulting in increased bone mass. Weight bearing exercises such as Tai Chi, Yoga, brisk walking, golf, dancing, hiking, and racquet sports are all excellent choices. Weight training activities such as lifting weights and doing calisthenics are also great choices to stimulate bone growth.