Expert warns: This disease progresses very insidiously!

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehtap Bozkurt provided information about osteoporosis, commonly known as bone loss. Stating that osteoporosis is a condition where bones become more fragile as a result of changes in their structure, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehtap Bozkurt emphasized that they most frequently encounter the "postmenopausal type," which is seen in women after menopause, among the many types and causes of osteoporosis.

''OSTEOPOROSIS IS AN INSIDIOUS DISEASE...''

Stating that osteoporosis is a condition that impairs a person's quality of life and threatens human health, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehtap Bozkurt explained the symptoms of the disease as follows:
"Osteoporosis is an insidious disease and does not show any clinical findings in the early stages. It usually manifests itself with the occurrence of fractures following minor trauma due to accidents. Fractures mostly develop in the spine, ribs, hips, and wrists. Visible changes such as shortening in height and increased hunching of the back may develop due to collapses caused by small fractures in the spinal bones."

''ELDERLY PATIENTS ARE AT HIGH RISK OF BECOMING BEDRIDDEN''

Expressing that sudden, severe back pain and especially nighttime pain are warning signs for osteoporosis-related bone fractures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehtap Bozkurt said, "Among these, hip fractures occupy an important place due to the high risk of complications. Especially in elderly patients, the risk of becoming bedridden is high due to the high rate of bone healing problems. Once fractures begin, the occurrence of new fractures is inevitable. Before reaching this stage, it is important to prevent fractures in patients entering menopause with preventive approaches for osteoporosis and, if necessary, treatments that will increase bone density. Studies have shown that calcium and vitamin D supplementation are quite effective in the treatment and prevention of fractures caused by osteoporosis."

''MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES, HOT FLASHES...''

Stating that the main cause of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is the drop in estrogen levels, Bozkurt said, "Estrogen deficiency leads to deterioration in bone structure by causing changes in the balance of bone formation and resorption. The diagnosis of osteoporosis is made by measuring bone density with a device called a densitometer. Although the age of entering menopause varies from society to society, the average age of menopause in our country is between 46-51. The premenopausal period is considered to be the 40s. Menopause starting before the age of 40 is called early menopause, which is very important in terms of increasing the risk of osteoporosis. One should consult a doctor as soon as menopause symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness, itching and loss of libido, fatigue, mood swings, feeling anxious or irritable, increased appetite, and forgetfulness begin to appear. Early menopause is a preventable condition. However, since early menopause will have begun after 12 months of not having a period, one should not waste time."

''THE AMOUNT OF CALCIUM IN THE DAILY DIETS OF WOMEN IN THE MENOPAUSE PERIOD SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT''

Emphasizing that keeping the amount of calcium in the daily diets of women in the menopause period at a sufficient and balanced level, planning daily exercises, and keeping vitamin D values at ideal levels are important in protecting muscle and bone mass, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bozkurt said, "Early detection of osteoporosis is very valuable in terms of preventing fractures, so women entering menopause should have blood tests and bone measurements done and be followed up once a year. In addition, gynecological examinations, smear tests, and mammography should also be performed periodically."

EXPLAINED WAYS TO PROTECT AGAINST THE DISEASE

Stating that nutrition and exercise are very important to protect against osteoporosis, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bozkurt recommended a diet rich in calcium such as milk and dairy products, reducing salt, consuming legumes and green leafy vegetables, reducing caffeinated beverages such as coffee and carbonated drinks, avoiding excessive weight loss, avoiding excessive protein consumption, and quitting or reducing alcohol and smoking.

News Source: İHA