What Is Imbalance of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans. It results from an imbalance of bone cell function so that the deposit of new bone is outstripped by the loss of bone tissue, causing bone deterioration and ultimately, fractures.

Healthy Bones

• Healthy bones constantly remodel themselves. Osteoblasts (bone building cells) deposit calcium and increase bone mass, while osteoclasts break down bone in a process called resorption. Normally, these processes are balanced to optimize bone health and growth.

Osteoporosis-Bone Loss

• In osteoporosis, over-active osteoclasts demineralize and hydrolize bone components. Osteoporotic bones are brittle due to the loss of bone mass and deterioration of the remaining bone tissue.

Bone Building

• Bone growth mainly occurs in late childhood and adolescence, when 40 percent to 50 percent of total bone mass accumulates. During this time, bone-building osteoblasts are especially busy producing collagen, the major structural component of bone.

The Balance

• Optimal calcium intake and weight-bearing exercise maximize bone density, which can slow or prevent the onset of osteoporosis later in life. Bone loss is accelerated with aging and after menopause, when estrogen levels fall, by the use of glucocorticoids, or by calcium deficiency.

Genetics

• Bone density is strongly affected by genetics. Children of osteoporosis sufferers should try to build bone when young and avoid factors triggering bone loss.