Menopause & Bone Density

The body reaches its highest peak of bone mass around the age of 30. At that age the body begins to naturally loss bone mass, according to The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Menopause will speed up bone loss, because the estrogen hormone is not produced after menopause. Higher estrogen levels are essential in keeping the bones strong as well as creating new bones. During premenopause, which is the period before menopause, the period becomes irregular and the estrogen that the body normally produces begins to decline.

Facts

• During menopause the levels of estrogen in your body dramatically drops which effects bone density. Estrogen helps to keep the osteoclasts in place. Osteoclasts are the bone cells that remove bone tissue. Osteoclast is responsible for osteoblast which allows the bones to grow. When estrogen levels are low during menopause the bones lose their density. The bone loss that occurs due to menopause typically occurs very rapidly after the first few years of menopause.

Symptoms

• Declining bone density is a gradual process that occurs over time. It is impossible to feel or see the density in your bones becoming thinner. There are typically no symptoms associated with low bone density. Most people are unaware that they have low bone density until they have had a fracture or have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Loss in height is a sign of low bone density. The bone density test is the only true test to measure your bone density level.

Significance

• Osteoporosis is caused by the loss of calcium, estrogen, vitamin D and other essential minerals needed to build bone density. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to decrease in mass. This disease can lead to fracturing of the bones. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, in the United States an average of 10 million people suffer from osteoporosis. More than half the female population will be diagnosed with this disease. There is no cure for osteoporosis, and it cannot be reversed.

Considerations

• When calcium levels are too low in the blood, the body will take the essential calcium it needs from the bones to provide a supply for the muscles and nerves. Women with a history of osteoporosis are at a higher risk of this. White and Asian women as well as women with a smaller frame are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis. According to National Osteoporosis Foundation, nearly 24 percent of people that suffer from spine fractures due to low bone density die within the first year after the fracture. Women who have skipped menstrual periods or have had their ovaries removed after menopause are at a greater risk for bone loss.

Prevention/solution

• There are a few things that can be done to prevent or increase bone density. Exercising with weights will help to build bones. A high calcium and vitamin D diet as well as dietary supplements for women will help to regain the loss of bone density. It is important to avoid high protein foods, caffeine and smoking. Continue to take estrogen pills during and after menopause or take Fosamax, a non-hormonal drug that helps to prevent estrogen loss for reasons not related to menopause. A bone density screening will also help to keep you aware of your bone density level.