About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a silent disease in which the body's skeleton loses bone mass at an excessive rate- the bones become fragile and susceptible to fractures from a sudden movement or strain, bump, or fall. Eight million American women and two million men have osteoporosis. Millions more have low bone density. The estimated national direct expenditures (hospitals and nursing homes) for osteoporotic and associated fractures was $13.8 billion in 1995 ($38 million each day), and the cost is rising. Risk factors include:

• Caucasian, Asian females
• Advanced age
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Postmenopausal, including early or surgically-induced menopause
• Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
• Low testosterone levels in men
• Inactive lifestyle

Our Osteoporosis Assessment can help you identify your risk factors.

Typically, osteoporosis is diagnosed via a bone density test. This test shows bone loss which has occurred over the last five years. Although this test is valuable, a urine NTx test tells you how quickly you are losing bone. The NTx test is a convenient, cost-effective way to evaluate bone loss and, when done as a follow-up test, can evaluate the effects of natural hormone replacement within 3-4 months after treatment begins.

Estrogen has been shown to protect women against bone loss, and after menopause, estrogen levels drop dramatically. Women start losing bone mass more rapidly than normal. Numerous studies have shown that estrogen replacement therapy cuts fracture rates by at least 50%. Progesterone and testosterone replacement are also important in maintaining bone health in both men and women.

Self-Help Program

A sound self-help bone protection program is always the first line of defense for bone health

• Routine exercise regime four or more times per week to include weight resistance and muscle strengthening for bone maintenance.
• Simple dietary changes such as decreasing carbohydrates, soda, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake, as well as adding a high protein snack at bedtime.
• Stop smoking. Studies have shown a direct relationship between tobacco use and decreased bone density.1

Recommended Supplements

ProCycle^® GOLD: A complete vitamin and mineral supplement designed for women during the perimenopausal and menopausal years. ProCycle^® Gold contains an exact ratio of vitamin E, complete B complex vitamins, antioxidants, magnesium, calcium, zinc, folic acid, 1000 mg of calcium citrate, and boron, which are so important for healthy bones.

Visit our Health Store for other bone health supplements.

1. www.niams.nih.gov/bone/hi/bone_smoking.htm