Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mass responsible for an increase in bone fragility and, consequently, spontaneous fractures.
The highest incidence of this disease occurs in women after menopause, in which bone loss occurs, especially trabecular (inside the bone). Between 40 and 50 years, the female sexual cycle becomes irregular until it ceases completely. This period is characterized by lack of estrogen (female sex hormones), which represents a major physiological changes, including bone loss and the onset of osteoporosis in women typically begins immediately after menopause and increases the risk of fractures particularly of vertebrae and femur neck.
In this sense, the female sex is a risk factor in the development of this disease. Although it can affect both sexes at a later age. both cortical bone loss (from outside) and trabecular, which can cause fractures of the femur, so common in these individuals.
Bone is not inert scaffolding to serve only the remaining structures of the body. From birth, the bones have a very active metabolism that does not end with growth. After their development, the bone is in constant renewal and improvement.
The fastest growth in bone mass occurs from the onset of puberty to late adolescence. Half of the bone stock is acquired during this period. Next comes the consolidation phase that lasts until about age 30. It is especially in this era when prevention, through proper nutrition becomes more important. A proper intake of calcium is vital for good bone mass. Therefore, the bone stock up in adolescence may be a good factor for the prevention of osteoporosis.
From about 30 years, the human body begins to lose bone mass at a rate of about 5% every 10 years, a volume loss affecting equally to both sexes. However, in women after menopause, bone destruction becomes even 2% for each of the 5 or 10 years. That is, bone loss occurs at a rate four times faster than before the withdrawal of menstruation.
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