These disorders are due to a lack of Vitamin D. They are rarely seen in Australia due to the abundance of sunshine and the lack of real poverty with inadequate diets. Vitamin D occurs in dairy products and fish oils but is also made in the skin from the action of ultra-violet light on substances normally found there.
One way of determining the extent of the thinning and also of measuring the response to treatment, is to X-ray the head of the femur and to note the crossing lines of bone known as trabeculae. These decrease in number as the bone thins.
The degree of osteoporosis can be measured by taking X-rays of the bones.
Hormone replacement therapy using oestrogens combined with progesterone and given in a cyclical fashion can not only treat the symptoms of the menopause but can prevent osteoporosis. There is a good case for suggesting this as a routine for all women from the time of menopause.
This treatment is safe and effective and can prevent a disorder which has a high morbidity and some mortality.
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