You count on your bones to keep your body functional and strong throughout your lifetime, but do you know about your risks for osteoporosis or loss of bone density?
While osteoporosis can affect anyone, women are more likely to develop this condition in the latter half of life. Why? Primarily, the difference in osteoporosis risk relates to hormonal changes associated with menopause. Lifestyle and genetic factors can also affect your overall risk of developing osteoporosis.
If you’re concerned about your rising risk of osteoporosis after menopause, work with the South Texas Spinal Clinic team to keep your bones strong even as you age. We treat new and existing patients from our locations in San Antonio and throughout South Texas.
How could you benefit from bone support as you go through menopause? Here’s what you need to know.
Menopause brings many changes to your body. This period typically occurs in women’s lives sometime around the decade of their 50s. You’re officially in menopause when you haven’t had a menstrual cycle for a full year. Perimenopause, as your menstrual cycle starts to deactivate, can last for months or years before complete menopause.
Your natural hormone production levels start to change significantly in perimenopause and menopause, which can affect your moods, your sense of temperature, your sleep, and even your sexuality.
However, many women don’t realize that the hormonal changes that come with menopause can also weaken their bones. Your body relies on the hormone estrogen to slow down the natural breakdown in your bones. As estrogen levels decline, your bones may weaken, and you might not even realize it’s happening.
Many people don’t learn about osteoporosis until something goes wrong because the condition doesn’t have telltale symptoms. If you have osteoporosis, even minor falls can result in broken bones. As you get older, fractures represent a serious health risk.
Osteoporosis can also cause problems in your spine if your vertebral bones weaken and collapse. This results in pain, loss of height, or stooped posture.
Don’t let osteoporosis lower your quality of life as you get older. Start taking steps now to keep your bones strong for years to come.
Your osteoporosis prevention plan may include:
No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to protect your bone health. Talk to our South Texas Spinal Clinic team about handling your risk of osteoporosis and avoiding fractures, chronic back pain, and posture deformation in your old age. Menopause is a great time to reassess your bone care routine.
To learn more about handling osteoporosis risk around menopause, schedule a consultation at South Texas Spinal Clinic. Call today to book, or request an appointment online now.
