Osteoporosis, Bone Diseases & Hyperparathyroidism

Our bones continually grow and change throughout our lives. As old bone cells dissolve, new cells grow back. This remodelling process happens about every ten years.  Bone diseases are associated with abnormalities of bone metabolism. The deformities may be caused by the functioning of several hormones, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), estrogen, testosterone, and other factors like Vitamin D, phosphate, and magnesium.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone thinning disorder associated with loss of bone mass which results in weaker bones with abnormal structure and an increased risk of fracture. The condition is more common in women and usually occurs after menopause. The common osteoporosis causes are hormone abnormalities, oestrogen deficiency, and hyperthyroidism. Other causes are high levels of parathyroid hormone, excess cortisol, and low levels of testosterone in men. 

The causes also include inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, medications, smoking, obesity, excess alcohol intake, and lack of exercise. The condition is diagnosed by measuring bone density, use of x-rays, and blood tests to measure calcium and hormone levels. Osteoporosis treatment is with medication, hormone replacement therapy, exercise, diet, and healthy lifestyle habits. 

For more information on osteoporosis, please visit Hormones Australia website. 

Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia is a condition in which the bones becomes weakened due to disorders in the bone formation or bone-building process. The common osteomalacia causes are a lack of vitamin D, celiac disease, kidney or liver disorders, medication, and surgeries which hamper vitamin D and calcium absorption. The condition is diagnosed by running blood tests to ascertain vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus levels, x-ray scans, and bone biopsy. Oral vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate supplements and injections are treatment options.

Hypercalcaemia

Hypercalcaemia occurs when there is too much concentration of calcium in the blood. Even though calcium is useful for the functioning of the organs, cells, muscles, nerves, and bones, extremely high concentrations can be life-threatening. The condition is commonly caused by hyperparathyroidism, lung diseases, cancers, side effects from medications, and dehydration. Common hypercalcaemia symptoms include headaches, irritability, and fatigue.

Other symptoms are excessive thirst, excessive urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and osteoporosis. Blood tests, urine tests, and scans are used to diagnose the condition. Hypercalcaemia treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which one or more of the parathyroid glands becomes overactive and produces excess parathyroid hormone (PTH). The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized glands attached to the thyroid. The job of the PTH is to help regulate the levels of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus in the bones and blood. 

A tumour, gland enlargement, or other structural problems of the parathyroid glands could hamper the proper functioning of the glands. In this case, there is an overactivity and excess production of PTH. The symptoms of hyperparathyroidism include fatigue, depression, body aches, loss of appetite, constipation, excessive thirst, and memory loss.  Blood, urine, and kidney tests and scans are methods of diagnosing the condition. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

Paget's Disease of Bone

Paget's disease of bone is a chronic bone disorder that affects the internal structure of bones resulting in the weakening and possible deformity of the bone. The commonly affected body parts are the spine, thigh, skull, pelvis, and sternum bones. The condition occurs when new bone cells are formed to replace old cells. If the remodelling process happens too quickly, the bone structure is weakened.

 The symptoms are silent until a patient is examined for some other conditions. Sometimes, pain from the affected bone may signal the issue. Sometimes the patient may not be aware of the disorder until there is a fracture. Scans, blood tests, and a bone biopsy are used to confirm a diagnosis. Paget’s disease treatment is most commonly medication. 

Genetic diseases of bone

Some genetic diseases of the bone are osteogenesis imperfecta, achondroplasia, and cleidocranial dysostosis.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare hereditary disease of the connective tissue which causes brittle bones disease where bones fracture easily. The condition is due to a genetic defect that leads to abnormal or reduced production of the protein collagen, an essential component of the connective tissue. There is no cure for the condition. The symptoms are controlled with surgery and medication that help to develop bone mass and prevent and correct deformities.

Achondroplasia is a genetic bone disorder that is caused by an abnormality in the conversion of cartilage into bone. The abnormality affects the development of bones that depend on cartilage to grow. This condition is the most common cause of dwarfism. The symptoms are very short limbs, and fingers don't reach beyond the hip, a bulging forehead, protruding jaw, and a narrow chest.  

Women with this condition may have narrow pelvises and find it challenging to birth a child. Other than these symptoms, people with this condition have normal health. Surgery is a treatment method.

 Cleidocranial dysostosis is a rare hereditary disorder that is characterized by abnormal dentition, skull abnormalities, and absent or reduced collarbones. In some cases, facial bones are missing or underdeveloped, and the shoulders may touch in front of the chest. Surgery is a common method of treatment.