Do you know Osteoporosis is a common occurrence in postmenopausal women? It is imperative for every woman to embrace a Strong her lifestyle and bone care because not doing so could get you in trouble. Osteoporosis can be termed as a disease that tends to weaken bones and increase the likelihood of fractures.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anu Vij, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Medicover Hospital in Navi Mumbai, explains: “Osteoporosis means ‘porous bone’ because of the loss of mass and strength of the bone. You will be shocked to learn this will progress without any symptoms or pain.Most of the time, this condition is discovered late when the bone leads to a painful fracture, usually in the back. or hip. Furthermore, it can also reduce your quality of life.”
She says that the exact cause behind it is still unclear, “During aging, bone breakdown begins to happen faster than bone formation, putting a person at risk of gradually losing mass. skeletal. When this bone loss reaches a certain point then a woman is known to have osteoporosis. Furthermore, about 50% of postmenopausal people will be found to have osteoporosis, and menopause is the most common cause of osteoporosis.”
Deciphering the link between menopause and osteoporosis, health experts emphasize: “Menopause is the absence of menstruation. The end of the menstrual cycle indicates that a woman’s estrogen levels are dropping. This is because their ovaries cannot produce estrogen to stimulate the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is a hormone that plays an important role in maintaining bone strength and slowing bone fractures. Remember that the longer you are exposed to low estrogen levels, the higher your risk of osteoporosis increases.
Talking about the factors that lead to osteoporosis, Dr. Anu Vij blamed heavy drinking, smoking, family history and taking certain medications because unfortunately these drugs affect the bones and cause loss. skeletal. According to her, even rheumatoid arthritis, hyperparathyroidism and diabetes are some of the diseases that lead to osteoporosis.
She reveals the symptoms of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and says: “Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease because it usually does not cause symptoms until the condition is advanced, but the Red flags of this condition are impaired function, back pain, reduced mobility. have a broken bone (fracture) in the back, wrist, or hip with a change in position, such as a hunchback or a hunchback, a significant decrease in height.”
She shares that the diagnosis includes computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the extent or whether osteoporosis is affecting the spine. Dr Anu Vij highlights the treatment options for postmenopausal osteoporosis and says: “Eestrogen therapy is a hormone replacement treatment that increases the body’s supply of estrogen because the ovaries are no longer producing as much. more estrogen. Supplementing with calcium and vitamin D will help strengthen bones by encouraging new bone formation. Your doctor will decide on the right treatment for you.”
She concludes with lifestyle changes to manage osteoporosis and suggests: “Choose a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Include calcium-containing foods such as dairy products, almonds, and dairy products. , edamame, tofu, orange juice and cereal. It is also possible to eat foods rich in vitamin D such as salmon, tuna, sardines and egg yolks. Do weight-bearing and resistance band exercises to strengthen bones. Maintain optimal weight to keep your bones strong. Say NO to smoking and drinking. Try to be healthy and enthusiastic throughout your life.”
