|  | Conditions Treatments | Osteoporosis

The Causes of Premenopausal Osteoporosis

Any age before menopause is premenopausal. And although bone loss can occur at any time, in most cases, the years to become hyper aware of your bone density is during the perimenopausal years. Certainly by age 40, every woman should at least question her doctor about osteoporosis.

  1. Osteoporosis

    • Because osteoporosis is generally a gradually growing condition, it can go unnoticed. Bones naturally thin after age 30, and do so more quickly after menopause. However, certain other conditions and lifestyle habits can have an effect on bone density

    Risk Factors

    • Smoking and alcoholism can reduce bone density. Many conditions, such as celiac disease, overactive thyroid, leukemia and chronic kidney and liver disease can lead to osteoporosis. The use of corticosteroids (like those used to treat asthma, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis) can contribute to bone loss. Also, thin women are at a greater risk.

    Detection

    • For patients at risk, doctors will order a full body bone scan, a painless and relatively quick process. The hip and spine, areas most affected by osteoporosis, are of main interest. The wrist is another area often affected by bone loss.

    Treatment

    • After diagnosing osteoporosis, a doctor will typically prescribe medication, such as Fosomax, along with increased daily intakes of calcium and vitamin D. He might suggest weight-bearing exercises--those in which you are on your feet, such as tai chi.

    Prevention

    • Prevention can be as easy as taking calcium and vitamin D, along with moderate exercise and limited intakes of caffeine and alcohol, and not smoking. As with most conditions, stress can be a contributing factor. So practice calming techniques.

Osteoporosis - Related Articles