We no longer wait until bones break to diagnose and treat this disease. Presently, there is no cure for osteoporosis but onset can be delayed and its severity decreased by early detection and treatment. Most importantly, early treatment can prevent harmful fractures. W e tend to think of the skeleton as an unchanging frame that holds our bodies up and does nothing much else. In reality the bones of the skeleton are in a constant state of change.
Bones respond to the pressure of muscles and gravity by renewing and repairing themselves.
The bones of the skeleton also act as a reservoir for minerals-especially calcium. When needed by the body the bones release calcium, This release is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones. A s a result of menopause less of the hormone estrogen is produced and bone breakdown can increase dramatically. Because of the changes that occur at menopause many physicians feel it is a suitable time to measure bone density. The best way to determine the risk for bone fractures is to determine bone density.