Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
What is Postmenopausal Osteoporosis?
Post Menopausal Osteoporosis is a condition that is caused by the progressive thinning of the bones and the consequential decrease in their density. This condition typically occurs in women over the age of 50 and tends to be a natural consequence of the decrease in production of the hormone estrogen in the body. These changes result in weakened bones that are prone to fractures and breakage.
Risk Factors for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Women who are postmenopausal are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis as the process of bone thinning tends to speed up after menopause. Some of the major risk factors of postmenopausal osteoporosis include:
- Low body weight
- Small frame size
- Prior fractures
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Inactivity
- Age
- Race
- Diets low in calcium
- Excessive use of alcohol
- Smoking
- Use of certain medications
Symptoms of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
In most cases, there are no symptoms of postmenopausal osteoporosis since it tends to occur without much warning. Nonetheless, once you start experiencing any of the symptoms it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Back pain
- Decreased height or an unnatural spine curvature
- Fracture occurring due to a minimal trauma
- Loss of body flexibility
Diagnosis and Treatments of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
If you experience any symptoms of postmenopausal osteoporosis, it is important to visit your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may prescribe a few diagnostic tests to understand the density of your bones and suggest the best course of action for you. Some of the most common treatments for this condition include calcium supplementation, hormone replacement therapy, Vitamin D supplementation, and medications to increase bone formation.