How Menopause Can Affect Your Bones
Your bones are the framework of your very being. When osteoporosis sets in, that structure weakens, making breaks or fractures easier to occur.
Women naturally face a higher risk of osteoporosis, especially as they age. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones gradually lose density, becoming thinner and more fragile over time. When a woman faces menopause, bone-protecting estrogen levels decrease, leaving your bones a bit more vulnerable.
Early detection and proactive care can keep your bones strong and healthy. Our compassionate team offers supportive menopausal care, helping you easily manage this new life stage with preventative steps like bone density tests.
Menopausal CareWhat Bone Density Testing Tells You
A DEXA scan, short for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, is an easy and quick way to check your bone strength. It’s a gentle, minimally invasive procedure. The scan measures calcium and other minerals in key areas like your hips, spine, and forearms.
Getting a bone density test is simple, and your provider will do their best to keep you comfortable. You’ll relax on a padded table for about ten minutes, while the DEXA scan measures your bone density at places like your spine, hip, wrist, or hand. Afterward, a specially trained physician carefully reviews the results to determine if your bone density is normal, low, or at risk.
Next, your provider will talk through the results with you, clearly explaining what they mean. Together, you’ll discuss easy next steps to maintain strong bones, like healthy lifestyle adjustments or follow-up screenings.
Knowing When It’s Time to Book a Bone Density Consult
Typically, routine bone density screenings begin around age 65. Depending on your lifestyle or medical history, it might be beneficial to start earlier. Some common risk factors include:
- A fracture over age 50
- Rheumatoid arthritis or chronic kidney disease
- Eating disorders
- Early menopause (from natural causes or surgery)
- History of hormone treatment for prostate or breast cancer
- Significant loss in height
- Smoking
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Taking corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone) every day for 3 months or more
- Three or more alcoholic drinks per day on most days.
By looking at your individual situation, our providers can guide you on the right timing to keep your bones healthy and strong.
Tips to Protect Your Bone Density
Keeping your bones healthy comes with making smart lifestyle choices. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, or yoga help build and maintain bone density, keeping your bones strong and energized.
A healthy diet goes a long way in protecting your entire body. Dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods are great sources of calcium, while sunlight or supplements can provide vitamin D—two essential nutrients your bones love.
Regular screenings with your provider help catch potential bone-density changes early, so your care stays proactive.
Talk to a Provider About Bone Density Testing
Your bones are there for you every single day, so it’s great to give them a little attention in return. If you’re approaching or over 65, or if you’re curious about your bone health, let’s talk. Contact our team at UWH of The Carolinas today and set up your bone density screening.
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