Lower Your Risk Of Osteoporosis

There are some beneficial things that come with age – wisdom, contentment, and grandchildren. Yet, there are also some things that would be categorized as “unpleasant” – creaking bones, wrinkles, and not being able to live at the speed of life that you were once used to.

One specific issue that many women have to deal with as they age is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis stands for “porous bones,” and it occurs when the rate of bone resorption outweighs the rate of bone formation. As a result, bones weaken over time and can fracture more easily.

Many women experience osteoporosis after menopause due to the decrease in estrogen that results from this transitional phase of a woman’s life. Menopause brings about an end to the menstrual cycle, and hormones take a drastic shift. If osteoporosis develops, women can be especially prone to fractures in the hips, knees, and spine and have a much more difficult time healing from a bone injury.

Lowering Your Risk

While osteoporosis may be more common in post-menopausal women, not all women will develop this condition. There are things that you can do in your younger years that can help lower your risk. If you are approaching menopause and want to take an active approach to lessen your risk of osteoporosis, the following steps should be put into action:

• Stop smoking
• Increase your calcium intake
• Exercise: walking, hiking, and lifting weights
• Consider hormone replacement therapy

Those who are genetically predisposed to osteoporosis should seek the counsel of their doctor. A family history of osteoporosis, a petite build, light hair, and blue eyes can put you at a higher risk for developing this condition.

For more information about Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis, contact Marietta OB/GYN Affiliates, P.A.