Women watch out for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Growing age brings with it a number of health complications. And when it comes to bone health, women are usually more susceptible to developing problems, especially after menopause. One of the most common problems in post menopausal women is Osteoporosis i.e. weakening of bones.

Osteoporosis, which literally means porous bones, is a disorder in which our bones lose their density and strength. As a result, they become fragile and highly prone to fractures even in case of slight injuries. Though, osteoporosis can affect anyone, but women are generally at a greater risk. A woman acquires most of her bone mass during childhood and up till early thirties. So during that period, if enough calcium is not deposited in bones, there are high chances of developing osteoporosis later in life.

The risk and severity of osteoporosis is further high post menopause. It is a stage when there are extreme hormonal changes in a female body which affect various body functions. One of the major changes is dropping of estrogen level, which plays a vital role in maintaining bone strength in women. As a result, due to lack of estrogen, bones start losing strength and become susceptible to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is often referred to as ‘silent disease’ as there are generally no visible symptoms and the patient may stay unaware while suffering from it. But there are some warning signs that may be pointing towards osteoporosis like sudden severe back pain, gradual loss of height or stooping and fractures of wrist, spine or hip. In case of such symptoms, doctor must be consulted as soon as possible.

As one age, the problems associated to Osteoporosis can increase

but it can be certainly prevented by following a healthy and active lifestyle. First and foremost, for healthy and strong bones, calcium is essential. Best source of calcium are milk and other dairy products like curd, cheese etc. There are several other food items that can help your body meet its calcium needs like eggs, green vegetables, fortified orange juice, fish etc. But just taking calcium isn’t enough. Our body also requires Vitamin D for calcium absorption. So, spending at least 20 minutes a day in sunlight can be very useful for calcium absorption since, sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D.

Along with nutritious diet, regular work out is another most important factor that decides our overall health. Regular exercises make our bones and muscles stronger and prevent any further damage. Walking, jogging, dancing and involving in sports are good work out options. And always remember, that alcohol and smoking are the worst enemies of our bone strength. So, they must be avoided in order to protect ourselves from harmful effects they can have on our overall health.

Talking of the cures,it requires multidimensional approach where early and aggressive initiation can cure Osteoporosis completely.The patient needs calcium in organic form (citrate,fumarate,oxalate) as patient can easily absorb it.The patient needs to be given 500-1000 mg of elemental calcium along with activated form of dihydroxy vitamin(type of vitamin d) for a period of 1-2 years.If vitamin D levels in the body are low,then vitamin D injections need to be given on a monthly basis.

An important hormone required for boosting mineralization and deposition of essential nutrients in bones is ‘Salmon calcitonin’. Though it is already present in human body, but for purpose of treatment, is given to patients in form of nasal spray for few months. Another vital medication is ‘Zolendronic acid’ which is given once a year as intravenous infusion through drip to increase bone density and strength over time.

Apart from these conventional methods, modern DNA technology and gene therapy have brought new ways of increasing bone forming cells. In certain cases, hormone therapy is suggested to post menopausal women so that the effect of hormonal changes can be neutralized.

In some extreme cases, where back becomes so weak that it is unable to bear even the body weight, vertebral braces may be required to support the bones. Sometimes, patients may suffer from painful vertebral fractures resulting in stooping. Such condition can be treated with non invasive, non surgical technique of ‘balloon Kyphoplasty’. In this technique, the collapsed bones are raised using balloon tipped needles which provide immediate strength and stability to bones. It is a simple and safe procedure that doesn’t require any anesthesia or bed rest and patient can just get back to normal routine without any discomfort.

Other than these treatments, patients are recommended weight bearing exercises like yoga, brisk walking, dancing and lifting light bearable weights. The patient themselves need to be careful to avoid bumps and falls so as to minimise chances of injuries.

The girl child needs good care from the beginning itself. Good diet and exercises in the childhood can go long way in preventing Osteoporosis in post menopausal stage.
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