Related Conditions: Osteoporosis
Updated January 29, 2013.
systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is often called "a disease of symptoms," manifesting itself through several related conditions, often affecting major systems and organs in the body. Individuals with lupus are at an increased risk for osteoporosis for a number of reasons, and studies suggest an increase in bone loss and fracture in individuals with lupus. In fact, women with lupus may be five times more likely to experience a fracture from osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis, considered a “silent” and “preventable” disease, occurs when bones lose density, making them more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis affects more than 10 million people in the United States, the majority of whom are women age 50 and older. An estimated additional 34 million people have low bone mineral density (osteopenia) and may also be at an increased risk of debilitating fracture. There is no known cure for osteoporosis.
Those more likely to develop osteoporosis are:
One of the reasons osteoporosis is considered silent is because it offers no symptoms. Typically, nothing indicates bone loss until a fracture occurs — one that’s caused by a simple fall or bump.
If this occurs and your healthcare provider suspects osteoporosis — or if your healthcare professional suspects that you’re at risk for osteoporosis — he or she will most likely order a bone mineral density (BMD) test that will measure your bone mass. Beyond determining whether you have osteoporosis, the BMD will also mark your risk for bone fracture, determine bone loss rate and monitor treatment effects. BMD tests, such as the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry test, or DEXA-test, are painless and often measured at the hip or spine.
Treating Osteoporosis:
First and foremost, osteoporosis is a preventable disease, and those with lupus can take steps now to help stem any future bone loss. Some of those preventative measures include:
Treatment for osteoporosis in those that have lupus is similar to those without lupus.
Sources:
Conditions and Behaviors that Increase Osteoporosis Risk. The National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. November 2006.
Osteoporosis The National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. December 2007
systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is often called "a disease of symptoms," manifesting itself through several related conditions, often affecting major systems and organs in the body. Individuals with lupus are at an increased risk for osteoporosis for a number of reasons, and studies suggest an increase in bone loss and fracture in individuals with lupus. In fact, women with lupus may be five times more likely to experience a fracture from osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis, considered a “silent” and “preventable” disease, occurs when bones lose density, making them more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis affects more than 10 million people in the United States, the majority of whom are women age 50 and older. An estimated additional 34 million people have low bone mineral density (osteopenia) and may also be at an increased risk of debilitating fracture. There is no known cure for osteoporosis.
Those more likely to develop osteoporosis are:
- Thin
- Have a family history of the disease
- Are postmenopausal, experiencing early menopause or not having menstrual periods
- Have treatment with certain medications, including glucocorticoids (such as Prednisone)
- Lack calcium in their diet
- Have a more sedentary lifestyle
- Smoke
What the Doctor Will Look For:
One of the reasons osteoporosis is considered silent is because it offers no symptoms. Typically, nothing indicates bone loss until a fracture occurs — one that’s caused by a simple fall or bump.
If this occurs and your healthcare provider suspects osteoporosis — or if your healthcare professional suspects that you’re at risk for osteoporosis — he or she will most likely order a bone mineral density (BMD) test that will measure your bone mass. Beyond determining whether you have osteoporosis, the BMD will also mark your risk for bone fracture, determine bone loss rate and monitor treatment effects. BMD tests, such as the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry test, or DEXA-test, are painless and often measured at the hip or spine.
Treating Osteoporosis:
First and foremost, osteoporosis is a preventable disease, and those with lupus can take steps now to help stem any future bone loss. Some of those preventative measures include:
- Enriching your diet with calcium and vitamin D, via items such as low-fat dairy products; dark green, leafy vegetables; and calcium-fortified foods and beverages. Supplements can bridge the calcium requirement gap.
Lupus patients should note that, while Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone health, one of the best ways to get Vitamin D — sunlight — can trigger flares. - Boost your exercise regime. If you don't exercise, start doing so. Bone is living tissue and responds to exercise by growing stronger. Walking, climbing stairs, strength training and dancing are some of the best exercises to prevent osteoporosis.
- Quit smoking. Besides triggering early menopause and bone loss, there’s nothing good about smoking. Period.
Treatment for osteoporosis in those that have lupus is similar to those without lupus.
- Bone density tests not only measure bone loss to diagnosis osteoporosis, they are also used to measure the effects of treatment. Note: If you’ve been receiving glucocorticoid therapy for two months or more, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should have a bone density test.
- Medication: Several medications are useful in the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, including alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, raloxifene, calcitonin, teriparatide and estrogen/hormone therapy. Alendronate and risedronate are also approved for use in men. For people with lupus who develop or may develop glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, alendronate has been approved to treat this condition and risedronate has been approved to treat and prevent it.
Sources:
Conditions and Behaviors that Increase Osteoporosis Risk. The National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. November 2006.
Osteoporosis The National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. December 2007
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