Osteoporosis is a common, progressive condition characterized by low bone mass and fragility, resulting in increased fracture risk. The main risk factors include age(as it can occur as part of the natural aging process called primary Osteoporosis), gender (because women have smaller and thinner bones than men), and family history.
Osteoporosis is four times more common in women than it is in men. Two recent studies have shown that almost half of all postmenopausal women may have low bone mass despite being on Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT).
Although Osteoporosis doesn’t affect everyone, in the same way, it’s important to discuss prevention and treatment with your doctor. As with other health conditions, prevention is more accessible than treatment.
Osteoporosis can be due to another condition called secondary Osteoporosis. Some of these conditions are listed below.
- Low estrogen production can affect bone health as it is needed for growth and maturation. As such, women who have Premature Ovarian Failure and women in menopause may be at risk of Osteoporosis.
- Nutrition-deficient women, especially in Vitamin D and calcium, may be at risk of Osteoporosis. Vitamin D and calcium are necessary for Bone health.
- Long-term use of drugs for chemotherapy, anti-seizure, and blood thinners may increase one’s risk of Osteoporosis.
Other risk factors are hysterectomy(surgery to remove all or part of the female uterus, treatment for uterine fibroid), smoking and alcohol intake.
This condition often becomes evident after a bone fracture, so many people with Osteoporosis will not experience any symptoms besides back pain.
Diagnosis of Osteoporosis is by measuring bone density. Plus, this test is painless…. relax. Although it may be complicated to diagnose in young women, genetics and size can affect bone density.
Some other tests may include testing for the levels of estrogen in the bone, levels of nutrients, and the presence of illness that may be a risk factor for Osteoporosis.
There is no cure for Osteoporosis. Treatment aims to slow down the process of bone loss and improve bone health.
Lifestyle changes are usually advised for a low-risk fracture occurrence within ten years. Smoking and drinking should be stopped while incorporating exercise as a habit for stronger bones.
When the risk is high, medications such as Biphosphates are prescribed. Estrogen Replacement Therapy may be considered for younger women as this treatment’s complications are higher in older women.
Overall, we would say if you are a woman between the ages of 33 and 50, schedule at least one bone density test. If you have other risk factors for Osteoporosis, such as family history, cigarette smoking, etc., then a bone density test is more critical.
A bone density test is highly recommended if you are over 50 and have other risk factors. We hope that this article has given you the necessary information you will need to make an informed decision on whether or not to be tested for Osteoporosis.
