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Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become more susceptible to fractures. The disease can develop unobtrusively and painlessly over time, and may lead to fractures, usually in the wrist, hip or spine.
Porous Bones
Osteoporosis means "porous bones." This is because when afflicted with the disease, bones lose valuable minerals as well as mass, turning them into weakened, porous bones.
Bone Growth
In the early years, bone growth is at its peak. Genes determine whether bones are thick or slender, with diet and exercise also playing important parts. Onset of osteoporosis depends on the prevailing condition of bones in the body, and progresses faster on "weaker" bones.
Causes
If proper bone development was impeded in the early years, chances of getting osteoporosis in old age is higher. Those with poor bone growth because of poor diet in childhood are also more likely to obtain this disease, and poor bone development leads to faster bone deterioration.
Onset and Symptoms
Symptoms of this bone disease do not appear right away. Before the symptoms become apparent, osteoporosis has already been afflicting quietly for years. Symptoms include a stooped posture and back pain.
Acceleration
Everyone will experience bone loss to some degree in old age. Those with poor bone mass will experience symptoms of osteoporosis quicker in old age. After menopause, women will experience rapid bone loss during the first four to eight years. Bone loss for men is more gradual.
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