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One of the consequences of growing old is a thinning of the structure of bone and this is called osteoporosis.

It appears to be a natural process which happens to us all but is more common in women and begins after the menopause. In men, the same process seems to develop after 65 but rarely causes problems until the eighties.

Bone is a living tissue and constantly undergoes change. Old bone is resorbed and new bone is laid down. Bone consists of a protein matrix on which calcium salts are deposited and give it strength.

The cause of this problem is still a matter of debate and continued research. Originally, it was thought to be one of failure of adequate protein matrix but now there is evidence that some changes in calcium balance are also involved.

Osteoporosis does not, in itself, cause symptoms, but the thinning of the bones makes them fragile and more easily liable to fracture even from simple injury.

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Probably the most serious involvement is when the kidney is affected. This can lead eventually to kidney failure or the inflammation can go on to cause a secondary hypertension or high blood pressure.

The brain also may not escape. Convulsions may develop or weakness and paralysis appear when the nerves are involved.

There is a high incidence of anxiety and depression in this disorder, perhaps more than could be assumed to follow on when such a serious disorder with widespread symptoms affects a young woman. Psychosis or serious mental illness may also occur.

Anaemia is common. Fever may be the obvious symptom.

Because this disease affects mainly young women, the question is often raised — should they become pregnant once the diagnosis is made? It does appear that pregnancy is not contra-indicated, but there is a high rate of spontaneous abortion.

There are Lupus Associations in some of the States and these can be of great help to sufferers.

Cortisone is the drug mainly used. This may induce a remission in the disease and then can be maintained in a small dose to control it. The other anti-inflammatory drugs are also used, and the drugs used to treat malaria may be of benefit as they are in other related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

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