After a certain age everyone, and women in particular, should take steps against bone loss. Osteoporosis, as it is medically known, affects more than half of women over 50.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a hormonal and metabolic disease of the skeleton: bone tissue becomes thinner, bones become deformed and break easily. Normal bone development requires enough calcium, phosphorus, trace elements, proteins and vitamins – a deficiency of these can lead to osteoporosis.
Under a microscope, healthy bone looks like a honeycomb. In osteoporosis the holes in this honeycomb become much larger, and the bone loses volume and mass.
How does bone mass change with age?
By the age of 25–30, bone formation is complete and bones reach their greatest mass. After 35, bone mass starts to decline.
Men lose about 1% of their bone mass a year, and women 1–4%. This is because after 35 calcium is washed out of the bones more intensively. As a result, bones lose their strength and become fragile.
In women, the onset of menopause speeds up bone loss: oestrogens, the female sex hormones, affect the density and strength of bone tissue, and their levels fall with age. In men, declining testosterone increases the risk of fractures.
Which signs should you watch for?
Osteoporosis develops silently for a long time: fractures related to bone loss may not show at the moment they happen, so a person can remain unaware of the problem. Most of us consider losing height a natural part of ageing, yet it can be the first warning of bone loss. See a doctor if you notice:
- a gradual loss of height;
- chronic pain in the lower and upper back;
- a rounded back and stooped posture;
- fractures even after minor injuries.
Prevention of osteoporosis should start with measuring bone density on a doctor’s advice.
Dr. Samir Shukurov
Who should have a bone density scan?
Densitometry is an objective test that measures the mineral density of bone tissue. It helps detect osteopenia and osteoporosis and assess the risk of fractures. The test is especially recommended for:
- women in menopause and women who have had both ovaries removed;
- everyone over 65;
- people with a family history of osteoporosis and spinal problems;
- people who have lost height, and those shorter than 1.60 m and weighing less than 50 kg;
- people with calcium deficiency;
- people who drink a lot of alcohol or coffee or who smoke;
- men with low testosterone levels;
- people who have had rheumatoid arthritis for more than 5 years;
- people taking hormonal medicines (for example, prednisolone, dexamethasone) for a long time;
- people with diabetes.
Prevention is in your hands
Remember that preventing bone loss is in your hands. Along with regular medical check-ups, it is essential to:
- eat a healthy, regular diet;
- get enough calcium and protein;
- keep your vitamin D level normal – it should not be below 30 ng/ml;
- get some sunlight;
- cut down on salt – salt increases the loss of calcium from the body;
- limit caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, fizzy drinks);
- stay away from smoking and alcohol;
- be more physically active every day – a sedentary lifestyle leads to muscle loss, which means bones lose their support.
Calcium is the main building material of bones. That is why regularly eating calcium-rich foods from a young age can lower your risk of osteoporosis.
Besides calcium, bone tissue also contains a large amount of magnesium, so magnesium intake matters too. Supplements are best taken after consulting a doctor.
Every woman in menopause should be assessed for osteoporosis risk. During this period, where indicated, hormone replacement therapy can support bone health.
What happens if it is ignored?
In people who ignore it, the first signs are loss of mass in the bones of the arms and legs and fractures of the coccyx.
Brittle, broken and deformed bones lead to loss of height, a stooped back, back pain and a change in the shape and volume of the chest. The structure of the bone is disrupted, tiny microfractures appear inside it and later lead to larger fractures. A bone can break even while carrying the lightest load.
These fractures most often occur in the radius, the neck of the femur and the spine. Fractures of the spine cause constant back pain, loss of height, deformity of the spine and disturbed function of the internal organs.
The good news is that osteoporosis can be prevented and treated. Early diagnosis is essential for this.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination.