11 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

absorbed during remodeling becomes thin and porous, and can fracture easily doing everyday things like walking or even coughing. When this begins to happen is individual, and it can be up to 20 years or more before menopause.

Women over 65 years old have always been concerned about bone loss and fractures, but researchers began warning women that bone loss accelerates in the years immediately after the onset of menopause, raising fears about osteoporosis among women over 40 years old.

Compounding these fears is confusion over the bone mineral density (BMD) test, which uses the bone density of much younger women as the baseline. There's no way to say with certainty that your bone density is abnormal if it is not compared to your own baseline. Moreover, bone density is not a very good measure of bone strength or the risk of fracture.

The common perception that low bone density causes fractures is not quite accurate; fractures result from falls or forceful impact. Ninety percent of hip fractures occur at the average age of 79, after a fall not vice versa. There are several factors that contribute to falls, and low bone density is low on the list.

White women of Northern European descent who are small-boned and thin experience osteoporosis younger and more severely. There are several risk factors for osteoporosis that include:
post-menopause, either natural or surgical
maternal history of osteoporosis
delayed puberty, persistent amenorrhea, low hormone levels or other endocrine disorder
poor diet, including vitamin D, calcium, and/or magnesium deficiency
gastrointestinal disorders that interfere with absorption of dietary minerals
eating disorders
advanced age
heavy alcohol consumption
smoking
under or over-exercising
less than 15% body fat
high levels of acidity
use of corticosteroids or other medical drugs
thyroid or kidney disorders
bone cancers or other malignancies.

Learn more about this author, Syble James.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Osteoporosis explained?
We want to hear your view. Write now!