More than half of
all postmenopausal women will experience a fracture due to
osteoporosis at some time. Osteoporosis causes the bones to become
brittle, making those with the disease more prone to fractures. Hip
fractures, especially, can lead to chronic pain and disability,
decreased independence, and lower quality of life.
Thankfully, you can take action to help prevent
this.
Expanded Screening
Guidelines Include Younger Women
In 2010, the U.S.
Preventive Service Task Force released expanded osteoporosis screening
guidelines. The recommendations previously stated that all women
ages 65 and older should get regular screenings, also called bone
measurement tests. But now, screening is also advised for
postmenopausal women younger than age 65 who have a high risk for bone
fractures.
Frequent alcohol use, smoking,
a low body mass index, and a family history of osteoporosis all
increase the risk. The task force noted just how early this
elevated risk can begin by offering these examples of women with the same
risk as women ages 65 and older:
- A
50-year-old woman who has a body mass index of 21 or lower, drinks
alcohol daily, smokes, and has parents with a history of
fracture
- A 55-year-old woman with a parental history of
fracture
- A 60-year-old woman who has a body mass index of 21 or
lower and drinks alcohol
daily
Lifestyle Changes, Medication Can Help Reduce Risk for
Some
Bone measurement tests, such as the quick and painless
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, can predict risk for
osteoporosis-related fractures. Studies show that women with a high risk
may be able to protect their bone health by getting adequate
calcium and vitamin D and performing such weight-bearing exercises as
playing tennis, walking, or lifting weights. Taking prescribed
medications may also help.
