For women with postmenopausal osteoporosis at high risk for fracture
Why should you get tough on osteoporosis?
Because half of all women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis at some point in their lives.
Do you know what puts you at risk for osteoporosis?
Lower estrogen levels after menopause can cause bone loss.
- Early menopause can put women at greater risk
The risk for osteoporosis increases with age.
White, Hispanic and Asian women tend to have higher risk for osteoporosis, although it can affect women of any ethnicity.
Genetics plays a role in osteoporosis risk. You are at higher risk for osteoporosis if a family member has or had osteoporosis.
- You could be at greater risk if you have a parent who had a hip fracture from osteoporosis
A diet that’s low in calcium and vitamin D can increase your risk of osteoporosis.
- If you have had a calcium or vitamin D deficiency, you could be at greater risk
Being inactive or not exercising could make your bones weaker.
Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can contribute to poor health — and that includes your bones.
Some medications can increase the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
If you have never been pregnant, you could be at further risk.
An oophorectomy is a type of surgery in which the ovaries are removed. This type of procedure can increase a woman's risk of osteoporosis due to a decline in estrogen.
It’s important to remember that a healthy diet high in calcium and vitamin D, along with weight-bearing exercise, may help improve your bone strength. It can also help to improve stability and limit fracture risk. Talk to your doctor to see what kind of diet and exercise routine is right for you.
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Knowing the facts is the first step in taking on osteoporosis
Not all women know osteoporosis can lead to fractures. Did you know:
- The most common fractures caused by osteoporosis are spinal fractures
- Hip fractures cause 1 out of 5 osteoporosis patients to need care in a nursing home
- Curving of the spine or shrinking could be caused by spinal fractures
If you have postmenopausal osteoporosis and you have a fracture, talk to your doctor and consider fracture risk reduction. After all, once you’ve had an osteoporosis-related fracture your chance of having another is 6 times higher.
