What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone-related condition that results in weakened and brittle bones. The term osteoporosis means “porous bones”. This condition weakens the bones to the point where even a minor bump or fall can result in a bone fracture. The most common bones fractures due to osteoporosis include the hip, wrist, and spine. Osteoporosis in older women is comparatively more common than in men. Osteoporosis can be a primary condition (caused due by aging) or a secondary condition (caused due to another medical condition).
At what age should you worry about osteoporosis?
Till the age of 30, the bone density keeps peaking. But it starts to drop after the age of 30, people begin to lose bone mass. Therefore, keeping the bones healthy and doing training exercises is very important. Keep a proper diet i.e., increase your calcium and vitamin D intake.
Osteoporosis in Women:
This bone-related disorder increases as we age and affects almost everyone. But older women are most commonly affected by it. Over the age of 50, osteoporosis in women becomes very likely to develop.
Risk Factors of Osteoporosis in women:
Low bone density puts people at the risk of developing osteoporosis. Along with that, there are several risk factors for osteoporosis. Why is osteoporosis more common in females? Following include the risk factors:
- Age above 50
- Family history of Osteoporosis
- Menopause before the age of 45, naturally or due to ovary removal.
- Loss in a hormone called estrogen among women. This loss can also be a result of menopause or other medical conditions. It includes treatment for breast cancer (reduce the levels of estrogen) or athlete energy imbalance.
- Less intake of calcium and Vitamin D
- Lesser weight
- 3 months in a row without menstrual periods.
- Other medical conditions like; diabetes, celiac disease, depression, premature ovarian failure, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Osteoporosis in women: What can you do to prevent it?
Osteoporosis is a common condition among women after the age of 45. Weak and brittle bones result in fractures, which can lead to disability and affect the quality of life. Following are some changes in lifestyle for maintaining muscle strength and preventing osteoporosis:
– Physical activity or exercise:
Exercise regularly for about a minimum of 30 to 40 minutes, 2 to 3 times per week. Also, include resistance training and weight-bearing exercises.
– Healthy diet:
Calcium and vitamin D is necessary for bone health. Consume calcium and protein-rich food along with fruits and vegetables. Sunlight is the major source of vitamin D along with this also consume vitamin D supplements.
– Change in lifestyle:
Kick away all your bad habits!
Quit smoking its bad for your health! Being underweight or too thin can also increase the risk of osteoporosis among women. This is why maintaining a healthy weight is important.
– Educate yourself:
Knowledge is the key!
One needs to also be educated about osteoporosis and gather knowledge if they are at higher risk of developing the disease.
– Check your bone health:
Women after menopause have a risk of osteoporosis due to loss in the hormone called estrogen. This hormone plays a vital role in bone health. This is the reason why at reaching menopause, visit a doctor to assess the risk of osteoporosis (fracture and bone health). Women diagnosed with osteoporosis must follow the treatment process prescribed by the professional.
For further information consult a specialist. Book your appointment with KKT Orthopedic Consultants in Lahore (JT/DHA), Karachi, and 5 other operational centers across Pakistan. Call us on the below-given number and one of our representatives will guide you to the best of their ability. For further information about KKT click here.
Phone: 0800-00-558