Some Helpful Words and Terms

Alendronate: nonhormonal drug (trade name Fosamax) used to treat Osteoporosis.
Bone density: measurement of how tightly a section of bone is packed with cells.
Bone formation: process in which bone-forming cells (see osteoblast) deposit minerals to make new bone when old bone is dissolved.
Bone mass: amount of bone tissue in a bone, such as a hip or vertebra.
Bone resorption: process in which bone-eating cells (see osteoclast) dissolve and dispose of old bone.
Calcitonin: hormone that prevents loss of bone; used to treat Osteoporosis.
Crush fracture: in Osteoporosis, a fracture caused by one bone pressing against another. Crush fractures in vertebrae may cause the spine to curve, leading to "dowager's hump".
Estrogen: hormone produced by the ovaries. Amounts fall after menopause. Since estrogen promotes depositing of calcium in the bones, a shortage will weaken bones.
Menopause: the end of menstruation.
Osteoblast: cell that helps form bone.
Osteoclast: cell that helps dissolve and eliminate bone.
Peak bone mass: point at which the bones have the most strength and density-around age 20 for the spine, 30 to 35 for other bones. Men generally have more bone mass than women do at any age.
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: bone loss that occurs after menopause due to low estrogen levels.
Raloxifene: nonhormonal drug (trade name Evista) used to prevent and treat Osteoporosis.
Risedronate: nonhormonal drug (trade name Actonel) used to prevent and treat Osteoporosis.
Secondary Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis caused by a disease or drug.
Senile Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis associated with age.
Weight-bearing exercise: any exercise that works against gravity, such as walking, climbing stairs, and weight lifting. These activities help maintain and build bone strength. (Non-weight-bearing exercises such as swimming and bicycling are less helpful for bones, though good for overall health.)

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