Dr. Amir Sweha writes a column for the Elk Grove Citizen.
Osteoporosis is a common problem, mostly in women, that causes bones to become abnormally thin, weakened and easily broken. A woman’s risk for osteoporosis increases after menopause because estrogen levels naturally decrease after menopause, which leads to bone loss. Consider the following risk factors when assessing your likelihood of having osteoporosis:
• Menopause before age 48
• Surgery to remove ovaries before menopause
• Low levels of calcium and vitamin D in your diet
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• History of osteoporosis in your family
• Alcohol abuse
• Thin body and small bone frame
• Fair skin
• Hyperthyroidism
• Long-term use of oral steroids
• Prior bone fracture as an adult
You may not know you have osteoporosis until serious signs occur. These signs include broken bones, low back pain or a hunched back. You also may get shorter over time because osteoporosis can make the bones in your spine push together.
Women generally should be screened for osteoporosis starting at age 65. If you have several of the risk factors above, your doctor may recommend starting screening earlier. Screenings are typically done with a bone density test called a DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan, which takes a “picture” of the bones. Bone density tests are a quick and painless procedure.
Of course, preventing osteoporosis is preferable to any treatment because the damaging effects associated with bone loss are largely irreversible. Adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D are essential in maintaining proper bone formation and density. Experts recommend that pre-menopausal women consume at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day. This includes calcium in foods and drinks plus any calcium supplement. Post-menopausal women who do not take estrogen should consume 1,500 mg of calcium per day. The main dietary sources of calcium include milk, milk products, dried beans, sardines, green vegetables and calcium fortified products.
Finally, make sure you exercise every day, do not smoke, limit the amount of alcohol you drink and take measures to prevent falls, which reduces the risk of fracture. Also, remember to discuss your osteoporosis risk with your primary care doctor.
