Osteoporosis, resulting in brittle bones, is a "silent thief" -- it robs your bones of calcium. There are no early warning signs until the disease results in broken bones. The skeleton becomes weakened and a minor fall can result in a fractured hip or wrist. Bones are not lifeless mineral deposits. Bones are constantly changing. They are dynamic, however, after menopause. They begin to break down.
Some women are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. These risks include:
A family history of osteoporosis
Age - the older you are, the greater the risk
Race - white and oriental women are at higher risk
Small and thin women are at greater risk
Smoking increases your risk
Little or no exercise increases your risk
Medications & diseases - cortisone or thyroid hormone, for example, can increase your risk
Early menopause, either naturally or from surgery.
Above: Normal bone tissue. Below: Osteoporotic tissue.
There are signs of late osteoporosis. They can include back pain, height loss, a curving spine, a history of broken bones or a recent broken bone.
There is an accurate way of determining if osteoporosis is present. It is called Bone Densitometry. This test can often detect osteoporosis in the early stages before broken bones occur. The test can also be used to track bone response to treatment. Bone Densitometry is similar to an x-ray. There is also a urine test called Osteomark® which can help determine if bone loss is occurring at a dangerous rate.
Methods of preserving your independence are described in the Treatments section of this site.
Postmenopausal hormone use may decrease the risk of colo-rectal cancer (CRC). There are several risk factors for CRC. They include:
Smoking
Diet
Exercise
Obesity
All these factors can be reduced by a change of lifestyle.
Sigmoidoscopy is recommended every five years after the age of fifty. This procedure can diagnose and remove pre-cancerous polyps.
The Women's Health Institute will be looking at possible links between estrogen and protection from colo-rectal cancer. We will be keeping you updated on all new developments as soon as they become available.
Disclaimer - Menopause-Online is not intended as medical advice. Its intent is solely informational and educational. The information is not a substitute for talking with your health professional.
