Bones may be painful!
Thin and frail bones, could suggest the onset of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis has emerged as the biggest threat for middle-aged women especially after the onset of menopause. It has no symptoms and probably one may need a doctor to diagnose the “silent epidemic”. Menopause may inflict havoc on bones. Dr. Tripti Sharan, a gynecologist says, “Menopause leads to the loss of estrogen levels in the body. Loss of estrogen may cause the bones to become thin and brittle, which causes bones to break easily.”
Bone loss leads to a weakened skeletal system that may not be strong enough to support the normal daily activities. Loss of bones begins during perimenopause. It is that transitional level where the estrogen levels drop significantly. Moreover, estrogen deficiency, pregnancy, nursing and lack of exercise help speed up bone loss.
Bone loss may even lead to a painful stage of gout, a form of arthritis.
Once menopause has occurred in a lady’s life, one must visit a doctor for a proper check up. An osteoporosis treatment after the occurrence of menopause can lead to prevention of bone loss in the body.
A variety of new treatments are available in the market for osteoporosis. The treatment options include the following:
Calcium Supplements: A natural medication to healthy bones, calcium supplements reduces the risk of bone fractures.
Calcitonin: A natural hormone mainly found in the thyroid glands. The hormone minimizes the osteoclasts thus, preventing them from absorbing any bone. It may be taken either through injection or through nasal sprays.
Estrogen Replacement: It is the most effective treatment for osteoporosis. Intake of estrogen can prevent the further re-absorption of bone and boosts the creation of new bone mass. The therapy helps increase the bone mass by 5%. It may be prescribed for a long period to protect against serious fractures, especially of the spine and the hip. But, the benefits start disappearing after the therapy stops.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMS): These influence the estrogen receptors in the body. Estrogen receptors are located in different parts of the body, including the bones. SERMS block estrogen from working at certain receptors, while increasing their activity at receptors located inside of your bones. This allows new bone mass to be formed.
Health issues have always been an important issue for women. Preventive measures can be one of the best ways to avoid osteoporosis. Post menopause women should take active measures to keep their bones strong and maintain proper bone health.
Particular attention towards diet and exercise during adolescence and teen years and in women during pregnancy and after menopause can be great help in making the condition stable.
Calcium rich diets along with Vitamin D keep the bones strong and help them regenerate effectively. A twenty minute sun exposure everyday will facilitate Vitamin D in the body to produce healthy bones.
Weight bearing exercises such as swimming and walking, can help strengthen the bones.
Keeping up a healthy lifestyle can help keep osteoporosis at bay. The occurrence of menopause in a woman’s life should not barr her from leading a life that was normal for her before menopause.
