Osteoporosis

on August 23, 2009 in Top Health Concerns

Finally, we are at the age where we can stop worrying about hormones! Right? Wrong again. Just because menopause is over for some of us, does not mean we get a break. Now is the time to think about maintaining our health and happiness. Many women at this age have concerns about osteoporosis.

Bone pain or tenderness
Fractures with little or no trauma
Loss of height (as much as 6 inches) over time
Low back pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
Neck pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
Stooped posture or kyphosis, also called a “dowager’s hump”

For years, doctors have known that osteoporosis and menopause go hand-in-hand. In fact, women begin to experience bone loss rapidly in the years preceding menopause. At a certain point in the bone loss process, the bones become porous and enter the state of osteoporosis.

It is not uncommon for untreated cases of osteoporosis to result in a fracture – mainly because there is usually very little pain or symptoms. Most often, the fracture is located in the hip, spine or wrist. This makes osteoporosis a major public health threat, affecting 44 million Americans of which 68 percent are women.

Everyone, especially women, should be aware of the affects of bone loss and the potential for bone fracture. All women who are perimenopausal and experiencing menopause should be tested. Treatments are available that can essentially stop and reverse bone loss.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis