Bone and Osteoporosis

Bone - a living tissue, composed mainly of calcium. When we are young, bone tissue, as well as other tissues, is constantly updated - old cells wear out and die, and their place is occupied by new and healthy. However, as we age, the cells deteriorate faster than the body can replace them, so the bones begin to lose density (bone mass). Bone structure becomes fragile, so the bones are more susceptible to damage (cracks or fractures) and longer coalesce.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

Unfortunately, because the bones are hidden under a layer of muscle, fat and skin, and the thinning of bone tissue are asymptomatic, most patients with osteoporosis is not even aware of their condition as long as no broken bones hip or wrist after falling slightly. By itself, the loss of total bone mass has no effect on our health - is not formed in the bone crack or fracture occurs. With a significant thinning of the bone structure (low bone mass) or even a simple sneeze can cough cause a fracture in the rib. According to statistics, people over 65 years annually produce about 60,000 fractures.

Other common symptoms of osteoporosis:

• Decreasing growth
• Curvature of the spine (kyphosis). In some cases, kyphosis develops to such an extent that the jaw rests against the chest, which may even impede breathing.
• Unexplained back pain

It threatens if I osteoporosis?

Those most at risk for osteoporosis are subject to post-menopausal women. This is because the ovaries stop producing the female hormone estrogen. Estrogen - hormone that helps hold the calcium and other minerals in the bone and provides strength and bone health, so the sharp decline in estrogen levels Estrogen - the key to bone health   after menopause leads to loss of bone density.

The clinical picture of osteoporosis is especially individual. Nevertheless, there are a number of risk factors for developing the disease at an early age, or more severe, including the following:

• Sedentary lifestyle - exercise strengthens bones
• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• Long-term use of steroids (for the treatment of diseases such as asthma)
• Poor nutrition, especially calcium deficiency
• Family history of osteoporosis
• The fragile physique, especially in anorexia
• Early menopause (typically above 45 years) or hysterectomy Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) - a terrible need   (removal of the uterus) in women
• Low levels of estrogen in women
• Low testosterone levels in men

How to diagnose osteoporosis?

To diagnose osteoporosis, various instrumental methods of examination of patients, foremost among which are X-rays of bones and osteodensitometry, which is performed using X-ray densitometer dual-energy (DXA.). This makes the X-ray image device and measures the bone density of bone tissue. This examination helps the doctor diagnose osteoporosis and assess the risk of cracking.

In some cases, biopsy - taking on the analysis of a small fragment of the femur and determine the severity of the disease.

If you suspect osteoporosis, immediately consult a therapist or doctor and discuss with him their suggestions and concerns.

It lends itself to any osteoporosis treatment?

To date there are no drugs that can restore normal bone mass, but some drugs can slow the rate of thinning of bone tissue. Bisphosphonates stimulate the inflow of calcium to the bones, which increases bone mass and slows the rate of bone thinning. There are several groups of drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis, so the drug should choose a doctor.

For the treatment of osteoporosis in women is most commonly used hormone replacement therapy (HRT). With prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy can completely stop the development of osteoporosis and to prevent further bone loss. Women of menopausal age should discuss this treatment option with your physician for osteoporosis.

For the treatment of osteoporosis in men to fill the shortage of male sex hormone testosterone Five myths about testosterone   (it either is administered by injection or implanted subcutaneously). This therapy is also used to treat severe forms of osteoporosis in men with normal testosterone levels to increase bone density.

For health and strong bones need calcium and vitamin D, so doctors often advise patients to take nutritional supplements Food additives - basic classification   calcium or calcium-enriched diet products. Consumption of calcium-rich foods (milk, cheese, yogurt, bread and sardines) are also very important for the health of the growing organism of children and adolescents.

Structure and function of the thyroid

From the thyroid capsule depart deep into the connective septum, which form the "skeleton" of cancer, and contain in their thicker blood vessels and nerves. These partitions are not connected to each other, so the division of thyroid tissue into slices incomplete. The structural unit of the thyroid gland is the follicle - a rounded closed vesicle wall is lined with follicular (allocated secret) epithelium.

The thyroid glandular tissue are three types of cells (A, B and C), which differ both in structure and function. The bulk of the cells make A-cells or thyrocites that produce thyroid hormones (thyroid hormones). Thyrocyte special feature is their ability to actively absorb, accumulate iodine and transfer it in the form of organically bound iodine by the formation of thyroid hormones - thyroxine Thyroxine - the main thyroid hormone   and triiodothyronine.

B cells or cell Askanaz - larger than thyrocites. The cytoplasm of these cells revealed a biologically active substance, especially serotonin. The first cells appear in the thyroid aged 14-16 years. A large number of them are found in the age of 50-60 years. The function of B cells is determined by the accumulation of serotonin, thereby increasing the activity of the epithelium, which allocates thyrotropic hormones.

C-cells or parafollicular cells provide a synthesis of calcitonin - bezyodnogo protein hormone that lowers blood calcium. These cells are arranged on the outer surface of the follicle. C-cells increases the activity of the follicular cells (producing thyrotropic hormone) and maintain a constant internal environment of the thyroid gland.

The role of thyroid hormones in the human body

The basis of the effects caused by thyroid hormones is their effect on the absorption of oxygen and oxidation processes in the body. Thyroid hormones increase heat production, when insufficiency (hypothyroidism) lowered body temperature. Simultaneously hypothyroidism accompanied water retention and reduced separation of calcium and phosphorus in urine.

Thyroid hormones increase the breakdown of glycogen (a substance produced from carbohydrates and set aside as a reserve for energy in the liver and muscles) and reduces its formation in the liver, so the lack of them accompanied by disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism. When hypothyroidism is increased blood cholesterol, and hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism: increased secretion of thyroid hormone   (increase in the blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone) blood cholesterol is reduced. In hyperthyroidism also increases the excitability of the autonomic nervous system, especially the sympathetic division, which is manifested palpitations, arrhythmia heart rate, increased blood pressure. At the same time enhance the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and the secretion of digestive juices.

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal functioning of the central nervous system, their failure gradually leads to mental retardation Mental retardation - if the mind is underdeveloped .

Along with growth hormone Growth Hormone - Medicine will grow That is secreted by the pituitary, thyroid stimulating hormone involved in stimulating body growth.

The functional activity of the thyroid gland is preserved for a long time at a stable level, but in old age there are observed atrophy (drying) processes, which are accompanied by a slight decline in the overall metabolism.