Health

by Ruchi Bhatia, MD, Sandford Clinic Women’s Health Internal Medicine

Of the more than 10 million people in the United States who have osteoporosis, 80 percent of them are women. As we age, our susceptibility to fractures increases due to loss of bone mass. This cannot only lead to fractures but can also give way to osteoporosis.

Throughout your lifetime, your bones grow as your body grows. Old bone is removed from the skeleton and new bone is added. Throughout adolescence, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed. This results in a positive bone balance and an increased bone mass.

Your bones continue to grow until about age 30, when bones reach what is called “peak bone mass,” or maximum density and strength. After this point, bone removal begins to outpace formation of new bone leading to bone loss. The rate of bone loss is greatest in the first few years after menopause. After that, bone loss continues more slowly.

With osteoporosis, bone loss can occur with no obvious symptoms. While your bones may not feel weaker, you may experience symptoms without realizing their association with osteoporosis. For example, a loss of height, change in posture or severe back pain may be caused by osteoporosis.

RISK FACTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS

You could be at risk for osteoporosis if you:

• Are a postmenopausal woman over 50

• Are Caucasian or Asian, although African-American and Hispanic women are also at risk

• Have a family or personal history of fractures after age 50

• Are small-boned and thin

• Had early menopause before the age of 45

• Have a history of anorexia, bulimia, excessive exercise

• Are a smoker or a heavy drinker

• Have not consumed adequate amounts of calcium and/or have vitamin D deficiency

• Have an inactive lifestyle

• Take certain medications for chronic diseases including corticosteroids and chemotherapy

SCREENING FOR BONE LOSS

Because the symptoms are so subtle, it is important to test your bone health. Your bone health can be assessed with a simple, painless test that takes only thirty minutes. A bone mineral density (BMD) test, also know as a densitometry (DEXA) scan, can help determine how to manage and treat your bone health. It uses special X-rays to measure the amount of calcium in the bones and determines your actual bone mass. Results can also show whether or not you have osteoporosis.The test is quick and easy and also does not require special preparation. Patients do not even have to change into a hospital gown. The DEXA scan passes over the body, reading bone density in different areas. Your physician will explain the results to you.

MAINTAINING HEALTHY BONES

There are many ways you can decrease your risk of developing osteoporosis:

• Eat foods high in calcium

• Get enough vitamin D, especially during the winter months

• Exercise

• Quit smoking

• Limit your alcohol. If you drink alcohol, you should not drink more than two alcoholic beverages or drinks per day.

ELIMINATE COMMON HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS

Use this checklist to eliminate many common household hazards that can post a risk for a bone fracture.

• FLOORS. Remove all loose wires, cords and throw rugs. Minimize clutter. Make sure rugs are anchored and smooth. Keep furniture in its accustomed place.

• BATHROOMS. Install grab bars and non-skid tape in the tub or shower.

• LIGHTING. Light halls, stairways and entrances. Install a night light in your bathroom.

• KITCHEN. Install non-skid rubber mats near sink and stove.

• STAIRS. Secure treads, rails and rugs.

• OTHER PRECAUTIONS. Wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes. Ask your doctor whether any of your medications might cause you to fall.

Early detection is important in caring for osteoporosis. It is best to consider your risk factors and then discuss your osteoporosis prevention strategy with your doctor well before menopause. Talk to your doctor today to see what measures you should start taking to prevent deterioration of your bones.