Importance of Bone Health for Women

Bone forms the basic structure of your body. Hence, maintaining bone health is essential for everyone. In the case of women particularly, it could be a little challenging, as women are more vulnerable to bone loss after menopause. A higher bone mass until 30 years of age can help reduce the risk of bone problems in older age. So, how can women maintain their bone health? Let’s look at some vital tips.

What is Osteoporosis?

Bones weaken and become fragile with age. Such a condition is termed osteoporosis. It is a metabolic disease that remains hidden until a person suffers from a fracture. They may be living with osteoporosis for years without even realizing that they have it. Women are more prone to osteoporosis. About 75-80 percent of osteoporosis cases are women who are in their postmenopausal stage.

Causes of Osteoporosis in Women

Some common causes of osteoporosis in women include the following.

• Family History: Many women inherit osteoporosis from their ancestors, who had brittle bones or suffered from low bone mineral density.
• Menopause: After menopause, ovaries produce little to no estrogen hormones, which regulate bone metabolism by monitoring the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Reduced estrogen levels affect the functioning of these cells and affect the new bone generation and lower bone density.
• Poor Diet: A diet with insufficient vitamin D and calcium can lead to osteoporosis.
• Inadequate Physical Activity: Staying idle or not exercising can weaken the bones.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Regular smoking and alcohol consumption can make women more prone to osteoporosis.

How Can Women Enhance Bone Health?

While we’ve talked about the problem, let’s now discuss the potential solutions.

• Quitting Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Get rid of these habits as soon as possible. Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption will benefit your bones and also improve your overall health and well-being.
• Performing a Regular Bone Density Scan: Do a bone density scan, which is a low-dose X-ray of your hips and spine that measures the amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones. Usually, it is recommended to do a regular bone density scan at 65. But if you have a family history or are at risk of osteoporosis due to the long-term effect of a medication, doctors may suggest density scans earlier.
• Strength Training: If you can, indulge in weight-bearing or high-impact exercises. You may pursue practices like walking, jogging, aerobics, etc., to maintain a certain amount of physical activity. Consult a doctor to know the best-suited exercise before you indulge in any.
• Healthy Diet: You may include leafy green vegetables and foodstuffs rich in vitamins K and C, proteins, and calcium in your diet. Consult your doctor before consuming anything, as the quantity and suitability may vary with the person.

Get a more specific consultation on women’s bone health at Ranka Hospitals. Our doctors would be glad to help you diagnose and treat your bone problems and help you lead a healthy lifestyle. Call us at +91 20 2426 1600 to book an appointment.