Osteoporosis may seem like a concern only for older women, especially those who are postmenopausal. While they’re indeed at the highest risk, it’s important to note that prevention starts early, even in childhood.
The strength and health of your bones during your younger years significantly influence your bone health as you age. Osteoporosis impacts 10 million Americans, responsible for 2 million fractures annually.
Despite its prevalence, osteoporosis isn’t inevitable. The specialists at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn emphasize the importance of maintaining strong bones. This blog discusses how to take proactive steps to safeguard your bone health.
Osteoporosis ("porous bone") is often a silent disease that progresses without apparent symptoms. Healthy bone structure resembles a honeycomb, but with osteoporosis, the spaces in the honeycomb grow larger, weakening the bone.
This condition often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs, resulting from something as simple as a minor fall or cough.
These fractures typically affect the hip, spine, wrist, or forearm.
Osteopenia is low bone density that isn’t severe enough to classify as osteoporosis. This condition affects about 34 million Americans, including over half of postmenopausal women.
Bone density is measured using a T-score, which compares your bone mineral density to that of a healthy young adult. A bone density scan, or DEXA scan, can determine your T-score, helping to identify bone loss early.
A DEXA scan is a quick and painless procedure that uses low-radiation X-rays to measure bone mineral density, typically in the spine and hips.
The team at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in recommending DEXA scans for women 65 and older and women 50-64 with risk factors.
While bone loss typically accelerates during the early postmenopausal years, it can start before menopause, especially for those with additional risk factors. These include:
Ethnicity also plays a role, with white and Asian women at higher risk.
Peak bone density usually is achieved between ages 25 and 30. After this period, bone density gradually decreases, with a more rapid loss occurring during and after menopause.
In the decade following menopause, women can lose up to 40% of their inner bone mass and 10% of their hard outer bone. Achieving a high peak bone density in early adulthood can help mitigate this loss later in life.
Critical nutrients for bone health include calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
Since the body doesn't produce calcium, getting enough from your diet is vital, with daily requirements ranging from 1,000 to 1,300 milligrams, depending on age. Good sources include dairy products, dark leafy greens, sardines, and calcium-fortified foods.
For vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption, foods like canned salmon, egg yolks, and beef liver are beneficial. Sun exposure and supplements can also help meet the daily recommended dose of 800–1,000 international units (IU).
Protein is equally important and can be found in lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, soy, quinoa, nuts, and legumes.
Activities like walking, running, or low-impact aerobics promote bone tissue formation and build muscle, enhancing balance and reducing fall risk.
Alcohol can hinder nutrient absorption essential for bone health, while smoking reduces blood flow to the bones, decreases bone-cell production, and impairs calcium absorption.
Various medications can slow bone loss or enhance bone formation for osteoporosis patients. The North Atlanta Ob/Gyn team can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Contact the experts at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn to learn more. Call one of our three convenient locations in Atlanta, Marietta, and Alpharetta, Georgia, or book your appointment online.
