Estrogen is a vital hormone that is necessary to preserve bone strength. Ovaries discontinue producing estrogen during menopause. This then causes the bones to become increasingly weaker over the next number of years. A lose of up to 10 percent of a woman’s total bone mass may occur in the first five years after menopause. If this weakening of the bones continues unchecked, it might develop into osteoporosis and to fractures. Osteoporosis is diagnosed by using a specialized x-ray technique, DEXA, which measures the degree of bone loss that has occurred.
A lose of up to 10 percent of a woman’s total bone mass may occur in the first five years after menopause.
It is estimated that almost 50 percent of all women over the age of 60 have at least one bone fracture due to osteoporosis. From time to time, such fractures may cause long-lasting periods of immobilization or involve surgical treatment, both of which are related with an amplified danger of further health complications.
There are a number of ways a woman can take action to decrease the bone loss that follows menopause. It is suggested that women take at least 1 gram of calcium every day, either in the form of calcium supplements, or increased servings of dairy products. Calcium is absorbed more efficiently in the presence of adequate vitamin D; up to 30 minutes of exposure to sunlight each day can guarantee that the skin will produce vitamin D.
Bones remain stronger for longer if the muscles attached to them are exercised frequently. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or dancing, is recommended at least several times a week. High-impact activities should be avoided.
There are numerous treatments, including hormone replacement therapy, which can be engaged to limit bone loss. However, hormone replacement therapy may not suit everybody and has side effects. There is no residual protection against future bone loss once such therapy is discontinued. Quite a lot of other treatments are presently being evaluated to treat menopausal symptoms and to slow down bone loss.
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