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Menopause is called “the change” for a reason. As hormone levels begin to change, so do health concerns, such as osteoporosis, said experts at Baylor College of Medicine.
“Decreasing estrogen levels can affect bone mass, making a woman more susceptible to osteoporosis,” said Dr. Elizabeth Nelson, associate professor of medicine and director of the Women’s Center for Comprehensive Care at BCM.
Osteoporosis is a condition that can develop if bone is not replaced as quickly as it is worn away, leaving behind porous or weak bones. Many factors can affect this condition such as heredity, age and nutritional intake.
Modify your risk factors by limiting alcohol intake and not smoking, which can increase bone loss by 10 percent. Exercising three times a week and increasing calcium and vitamin D intake can also improve bone health.
However, since each woman's health care needs differ as they enter menopause, it is important to talk to a doctor to be sure what course of action will be the most beneficial.
Screening for osteoporosis should begin at age 65, but many times women will have a screening done at age 50 to use a baseline for future tests.
Menopause is called “the change” for a reason. As hormone levels begin to change, so do health concerns, such as osteoporosis, said experts at Baylor College of Medicine.
“Decreasing estrogen levels can affect bone mass, making a woman more susceptible to osteoporosis,” said Dr. Elizabeth Nelson, associate professor of medicine and director of the Women’s Center for Comprehensive Care at BCM.
Osteoporosis is a condition that can develop if bone is not replaced as quickly as it is worn away, leaving behind porous or weak bones. Many factors can affect this condition such as heredity, age and nutritional intake.
Modify your risk factors by limiting alcohol intake and not smoking, which can increase bone loss by 10 percent. Exercising three times a week and increasing calcium and vitamin D intake can also improve bone health.
However, since each woman's health care needs differ as they enter menopause, it is important to talk to a doctor to be sure what course of action will be the most beneficial.
Screening for osteoporosis should begin at age 65, but many times women will have a screening done at age 50 to use a baseline for future tests.
