3 Min Read
Bone health is one of the most common concerns. With age and hormonal imbalances, our bones start becoming weak. Menopause in women is one such phase where osteoporosis (condition of weakened bones) is likely to happen. Due to changes in hormones, physical activity, and negligence, health starts deteriorating.
Let us know what research indicates: 20% of bone loss happens during menopause, and 1 in 10 women over the age of 60 is affected by osteoporosis.
Synopsis
- But, What’s the Connection Between Menopause & Osteoporosis?
- How Does Menopause Influence Osteoporosis?
- How Do I Know If I Have Osteoporosis?
- Identifying Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
- Causes of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
- Risk Factors for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
- Treatment for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
- Tips to Reduce the Risk of Osteoporosis During Menopause
But, What’s the Connection Between Menopause and Osteoporosis?
Menopause begins when your menstrual cycles cease. The usual symptoms of menopause include weakness, night sweats, or weight gain. This usually happens for women in the age group of 45 to 55 years. The symptoms of menopause last for about the first four years after menopause. However, some might even experience for a period more than that.
During menopause, a woman’s body undergoes various changes, from body weight to internal hormones. Continued troubled menopause can also lead to health complications such as periodontal diseases, UTIs, heart diseases, metabolic dysfunctions, painful intercourse, and many more.
How Does Menopause Influence Osteoporosis?
The hormones in women like oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, LH - luteinising hormone and FSH - follicle stimulating hormone change immensely. The number of active ovarian follicles becomes less, thereby making the body weak. These abnormal changes & levels of hormones make the bones in the body brittle, and they are more susceptible to fractures and cracks. Hence, a woman in menopause is majorly affected and can have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak, and their strength starts diminishing.
How Do I Know If I Have Osteoporosis?
You can always go for medical tests such as X-rays or bone density scans such as DEXA scans. The DEXA scan helps identify osteoporosis by calculating the ‘T score’. The T score is the difference in bone density between your body and the ideal young adult body. There are multiple other bone density tests that you can use to check for accurate findings. However, these scans are only indicated for you in the following cases:
- You are 65 and more
- Numerous risk factors
- Are in the menopause period with fractures.
Identifying Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis isn't easily triggered or identified through daily routines. However, this disease often goes unnoticed until people experience a broken bone. The following symptoms are suggestive of osteoporosis:
- Fragile bones
- Severe back pain
- Loss of height
- Spinal deformities
- Stiff joints & muscles.
Other associated post-menopausal symptoms are:
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Hot flashes
- Changes in mood
- Heart palpitations
- Night sweat & vaginal dryness.
Osteoporosis mainly affects fractures in the hip, vertebrae, or wrist. However, this condition might even break other bones in the arms or pelvis. A small jerk or trivial trauma can also cause a minor fracture.
Causes of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can develop at any age, but women in menopause have more possibility of having postmenopausal osteoporosis since osteoporosis is closely related to oestrogen deficiency. The decrease in oestrogen levels increases bone resorption rather than formation, and the bones start becoming thinner and can be easily fractured. Certain ethnic groups, such as Asian and Caucasian women, are also at increased risk for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Risk Factors for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
If you or your family have any of these, you are more prone to developing postmenopausal osteoporosis:
- Family history
- Low Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Eating disorders or drinking excess alcohol
- Hormonal and inflammatory medical disorders
- High-dose steroid intake for more than three months
- Medicines that affect hormone levels.
Treatment for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
It starts with taking proper advice and going for consultations. The doctor can then study your health conditions and suggest suitable treatment options.
Non Pharmacological
- Routine exercise for 30 minutes a day 3-4 days a week
- Adequate dietary intake of calcium
- Sun exposure of about 20minutes per day
- Stop smoking
Pharmacological
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Medicines to improve bone density like bisphosphonates
- Injectables to help rebuild bone like denosumab
- SERM or Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators: This SERM medication affects the bone, similar to the oestrogen hormone, reducing the risk of fractures. SERMs can have side effects such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and increased risk of blood clots.
- Therapy for hormone replacement: Doctors will only recommend it if a woman is in menopause. This therapy helps to improve bone strength significantly.
- Parathyroid hormone treatment: This helps to regulate calcium levels in bones and stimulate cells that create new bones.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Osteoporosis During Menopause
To decrease the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis, you can do the following:
- Consume an adequate quantity of calcium daily. Aim for 1300 mg by consuming nutrition-rich foods such as vegetables, fish, dairy products, nuts, and salmon.
- Exercise regularly and perform weight-bearing exercises.
- Ensure regular intake of vitamin D.
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
- Restrict the caffeine intake and adopt healthier options.
With age, the body becomes unable to repair and recover quickly from any surgeries or treatments. Ignoring signs and symptoms only worsens your body's health. Hence, daily medical check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are a must to keep the body disease-free.
FAQ's
Postmenopausal osteoporosis happens when the oestrogen hormone level drops in the body. It makes the bones thinner and more prone to fractures.
Postmenopausal osteoporosis can be identified if you experience weak bones, fatigue, fractures, etc.
Menopause will begin between the age of 45 and 55 years.
Share this article on:
