Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones and turns them brittle to the point that they are prone to breakage or damage. Especially prevalent in postmenopausal women, osteoporosis has the potential to cause minor bumps and falls as well. Studies show that women are more likely to develop it than men.
Osteoporosis is often referred to as the silent disease because it doesn’t show symptoms like many other health conditions. For women, this is particularly important to understand, as they are at a higher risk for osteoporosis, especially after menopause. There are no clear signals or warning signs indicating that you might have osteoporosis. You won’t experience fever, headaches, or stomach aches that could alert you to a problem with your bones.
The most common indication of osteoporosis is a bone fracture, which can happen even from a minor fall, like slipping on a wet surface or tripping over a small object.
While there may not be direct symptoms, there are visible changes in your body that can suggest your bones are losing strength or density.
For women, these signs may include:
- Losing an inch or more of your height.
- Changes in your posture, such as stooping or bending forward more than usual.
- Shortness of breath if the disks in your spine are compressed enough to reduce lung capacity.
- Lower back pain, particularly in the lumbar region.
It can be challenging to notice these changes in your appearance, so it’s a good idea to ask loved ones if they’ve observed any differences in your height or posture. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider for a bone density test.
As women age, especially after menopause, their bones lose the ability to regenerate and reform as effectively. Just like any other part of your body, bones are living tissues that continuously replace their cells throughout your life. Taking proactive steps to monitor your bone health is crucial for maintaining strength and preventing osteoporosis.
As women grow older, their bones lose the ability to regrow and reform themselves effectively. Like any other part of your body, bones are living tissues that continuously replace their cells throughout your life. Up until around the age of 30, your body naturally builds more bone than it loses. However, after the age of 35, the rate of bone breakdown begins to surpass the rate of bone formation, leading to a gradual loss of bone mass. This process accelerates for women after menopause, making them more susceptible to rapid bone loss.
Risk Factors:
There are several risk factors for osteoporosis. While anyone can develop this condition, certain groups are more at risk, including:
- Those over the age of 50.
- People assigned female at birth (AFAB), particularly those who have gone through menopause.
- Those with a family history of osteoporosis, as having a relative who suffered from the condition increases your risk.
- Women who are thin or have smaller frames, as they naturally have less bone mass, making any losses more impactful.
- Individuals who smoke or use tobacco products.
Additionally, some health conditions can increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, such as:
- Endocrine disorders that affect the parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, and hormones (including conditions like thyroid disease and diabetes).
- Gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Autoimmune disorders that impact bone health, like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, which affects the spine.
Understanding these factors can help women take proactive steps to protect their bone health as they age.
Some surgical procedures and medications can intensify your risk of osteoporosis.
- Diuretics (medications that lower your blood pressure and clear extra fluid from your body).
- Corticosteroids (medications that treat inflammation).
- Medications used to treat seizures.
- Bariatric (weight loss) surgery.
- Hormone therapy for cancer (including to treat breast cancer or prostate cancer).
- Anticoagulants.
- Proton pump inhibitors (like those that treat acid reflux, which can affect your calcium absorption).
Certain aspects of your diet and exercise routine can make you more likely to develop osteoporosis, including:
- Not consuming enough calcium or vitamin D.
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Regularly consuming alcohol (more than two drinks per day).
Diagnosis and Tests:
Your healthcare provider may diagnose osteoporosis with a bone density test. This is an imaging test designed to measure the strength of your bones through X-rays, which show the levels of calcium and other minerals present in your bones. These scans are also called DEXA scans or bone density scans. It is an outpatient test, which means you could go home after you’re done.
Treatment:
You may treat osteoporosis by simply exercising regularly and taking vitamin and mineral supplements and medication for osteoporosis.
Prevention:
You may follow these safety steps to reduce the risk of an injury:
- Wearing a seat belt in car
- Wearing the right protective equipment in all sports and activities
- Decluttering your house so that you don’t trip over anything
- Consuming a proper diet
- Exercising regularly
Osteoporosis comes with no warning; it is essential that you notice the changes in your body. If noticeable, speak to a healthcare professional about any other symptom you’re experiencing, especially if it’s pain in the bones or you have mobility issues.