The Importance of Bone Health: Preventing Osteoporosis in Women

Maintaining healthy bones is an important aspect of well-being that is often neglected, especially among women. In particular, women suffer the most with decreased bone density as they age during which some might develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common ailment among women especially after menopause because of the changes that occur to their hormones that affect osteoporosis. This blog will explain everything about osteoporosis, including its causes, symptoms among others while also providing tips on how to prevent such a condition. Emphasis will also be placed on the Regular osteoporosis tests and the role strong bones play on the quality of life.

With the celebration of International Women’s Day, there is no perfect chance to emphasize osteoporosis and tell them the measures they can take to maintain or improve their bones health.

What is Osteoporosis? 

Osteoporosis is a condition that results in the weakening of bones, making them fragile and prone to breaking. Osteoporosis develops when the body spends more bone mass than it can afford to create. Because the depletion of bone mass occurs gradually over time, such that a fracture is bound to happen, it is often referred to as a silent disease. The vertebrae, hips, and wrists are the most common bones that break under strain, and a fracture in those regions presents a serious risk when burdened with osteoporosis. The bones that are the most affected are the ones that carry weight.

Men and women are both victims of this ailment, but women are usually the ones who suffer from osteoporosis after reaching menopause. Estrogen level drops due to certain hormonal changes in the body, significantly contributing to bone depletion in women. Individuals in their late twenties and early thirties should have a proactive approach towards their bone health to prevent osteoporosis in the long run.

Osteoporosis Causes: Identifying What Leads to Bone Loss 

It is evident that Osteoporosis does not stem from a single factor, rather its inception is multifactorial. Remember that an understanding of the osteoporosis causes is of utmost importance if you wish to treat or manage the disease successfully. Following are some of the potential causes of osteoporosis:

1. Age

As age advances in women, so does the decline of bone density. This decline starts to get much faster post menopause with the elimination of estrogen, which plays a major role in bone density maintenance. Women over 50, especially postmenopausal women, are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis.

2. Hormonal Changes

Estrogen, which declines steeply during menopause, is important for bone care. Lesser estrogen translates to more bone resorption (the rate at which bones decompose) making the bones weaker. Other hormonal disbalances such as, issues with thyroid or lower testosterone levels contribute to bone loss as well.

3. Nutrition

Insufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D can have severe consequences on bone health. Being the building block of bones, structural calcium must be present, alongside vitamin D, which is required for calcium absorption. A disparity in either one of these nutrients leads to weak bones, and consequently, an elevated risk of developing osteoporosis.

4. Sitting

To maintain strong bones, it is essential to frequently exercise with weight-bearing activities, such as walking, running, and strength training. A lifestyle void of exercise, or a sedentary one, over time leads to loss of bones, giving rise to osteoporosis. Stimulation of movements improves bone masonry cells, and strengthens bones around the spine, hips, legs, and arms.

5. Family

A personal or family history of osteoporosis places you at risk for developing the disease yourself latter in life. If your mother or grandmother suffer from osteoporosis induced fractures, the odds of you being exposed to the disease surges due to genetic attributes.

6. Relationship with other issues

Too often prescribed medications can cause damage to bone density. Corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and some cancer therapies are a few of the most deleterious. Always share your medications with the doctor that can evaluate them in light of your bone health.

7. Other Health Issues

Some medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, certain eating disorders like anorexia, and gastrointestinal diseases like celiac disease can lead to additional bone loss and further increase the risk for osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Symptoms: Learn How to Recognize This Condition

Typically, osteoporosis is diagnosed after a fracture has occurred, which is the reason it is often referred to as the “silent disease.” Despite this, there exist a few osteoporosis signs and symptoms that some middle-aged women should monitor. The more familiar one becomes with these indicators, the better it is for prevention.

1. Back Pain

Skeletal osteoporosis pain has been reported to be the most painful type of back pain, especially coupled with any form of vertebral fracture or collapsed vertebra. This pain can become a challenge to daily activities over time and simply raising movement levels can also worsen it.

2. Loss of Height

The weakening of the spinal bones causes osteoporosis. This can result in buildups of the compression fracture through time that makes a person shrink little by little while leading to loss of height as well. If you see yourself shrinking, it can be an indicator that bone density is deficient.

3. Kyphosis or Stooped Posture

Kyphosis, also referred to as a stooped or hunched posture, is a common symptom of osteoporosis. As the bones in the spine become weak and begin to collapse, it leads to a stooped or curved back.

4. Fractures

Fractures that occur with low energy trauma, like a standing height fall, are classic signs of osteoporosis. Osteoporotic fractures leave the hip, wrist, and spine as the most common locations of injury.

5. Weak Grip Strength

Research done with osteoporosis patients suggests that grip strength might also be reduced. This may complicate the completion of many tasks that have fine motor skills.

If you observe one or multiple of these symptoms or are at risk of developing osteoporosis, a visit to your healthcare provider is indispensable for early detection and starting a preventative plan.

Preventing Osteoporosis: Tips for Maintaining Bone Health

Maintaining bone health throughout life, however, is possible. Here are some tips to avert osteoporosis in the earlier years itself.

1. Adequate Calcium and Vitamin D Intake: Make sure that you are eating a healthy diet with enough of vitamin D and calcium in it. Foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy vegetables, almonds, and fortified foods contain lots of calcium. For vitamin D, sunlight and some foods such as salmon can do. Always remember, vitamin D is essential for the body in order to absorb calcium. Supplements is an option to consider with your doctor.
2. Exercise Regularly: Try to perform weight exercises or activities such as walking, jogging, dancing, or just simple strength exercises. They help bone growth and density. Other exercises that are good with maintaining balance and flexibility are yoga or pilates. These practices can help cut down the danger of both falls and fractures.
3. Limit Alcohol and Cessate Smoking: Both smoking and drinking cause an increase in bone loss. When someone smokes, the body’s ability to absorb calcium is hindered. Meanwhile, alcoholic beverages can reduce the bone mass of a person’s body. It is clear that quitting smoking and drinking can greatly safeguard a person’s bone health.
4. Track Your Bones’ Well-Being: While osteoporosis does not exhibit alarming symptoms, it is vital that the individual undertakes regular osteoporosis tests for assessing bone density and health. A bone density test (DEXA scan) is the most precise approach to evaluating your bone health and checking if osteoporosis is a concern. Catching the signs early on allows to act swiftly to assist and manage complications such as fractures in the patient.

Osteoporosis Test: When to Get Screened

Seek testing if your condition suggests that you are already at risk of suffering from osteoporosis. The most common osteoporosis test is conducted through a DXA scan which assesses bone mineral density (BMD). The procedure is also painless, non-invasive, and an individual will be able to tell whether there is normal bone density or the chances of being an osteoporotic person are likely.

Women younger than 65 years of age are advised to undergo routine screening for osteoporosis when risk factors are present. These risk factors may include a family history of osteoporosis, smoking, or even a previous history of bone fractures.

Conclusion

The impacts of osteoporosis on women can be dire, but knowing the causes, being aware of the symptoms, and focusing on bone health can help in reducing the risks associated with this condition. Taking steps like regular checkups as well as having a balanced diet and exercising can aid in maintaining healthy bones.

With the approach of International Women’s Day, this day can be utilized to talk more about women’s bone health and motivate them to take action towards osteoporosis prevention. Monitor your bone health with an osteoporosis test at Dr. Lal PathLabs and take steps towards ensuring a healthier future.