Over 10 million Americans suffer from the bone-weakening disease known as osteoporosis. Check out this video for the facts.

Video Transcription

Female: In America, 10 million people suffer from Osteoporosis. There are grandparents, teachers and friend and yet many of us do not even know what Osteoporosis is. Male: Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens bones making people more susceptible to fractures. To understand this condition, it helps to look at the role bones play in a healthy body. Bones are composed primarily of calcium. In fact, 99% of the calcium that is present in the body is found in bones. However, calcium is also necessary for other bodily functions like blood vessel contractions. When sources in the blood run low, a normal process called resorption begins. Resorption steals calcium from bones to be recycled for use in other parts of the body. During resorptions, scavenger cells with membranes called the osteoclast attached to bone surfaces. There they tunnel into bone and regurgitate calcium into the blood stream for use by other body parts. Resorption is complemented by a normal process called, formation. During formation, construction cells or osteoblast move into the tunnels left by osteoclast and release trends of collagen into the holes effectively filling them. So, how does this relate to Osteoporosis? It is simple, bone weakening and loss occurs when the osteoblast cannot keep up with the osteoclast. But another way, over time the bone breaking cells continue about their business while the bone building cell slow down. The result is bone, they are too weak to carry heir load, increasing the risk of fractures. The most common form of the disease, primary osteoporosis is a result of normal bodily changes like menopause or aging. Type I primary Osteoporosis occurs in women in several years prior to, during and following menopause. During this time, decline of estrogen levels contribute to Type I Osteoporosis. Type II Primary Osteoporosis results from the normal cumulative effects of aging. This gradual loss of bone density does not usually show up until after the age of 75. The other form of Osteoporosis, Secondary Osteoporosis results from certain prescription medications or medical conditions. Medical conditions like anorexia, alcoholism, and Type I Diabetes can all lead to the development of Secondary Osteoporosis. Meanwhile, medications like corticosteroids, thyroid hormones and chemotherapy drugs also increase the risk of this disease. Although Osteoporosis can occur from a variety of factors, its effects are the same. Weaken bones that often break easily. If you have concerns about Osteoporosis, please see your doctor. Female: You want to learn more, check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.