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 among 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. A woman acquires most of her bone mass during childhood and up till early 30s. 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, bones start losing strength and women become susceptible to osteoporosis.
ADVERTISEMENT
Though osteoporosis is often referred to as ‘silent disease’, 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, a doctor must be consulted as soon as possible.
As one ages, the problems associated with osteoporosis can increase but it can certainly be 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 and fish.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Along with nutritious diet, regular workout is another important factor that decides our overall health. Walking, jogging, dancing and sports are good workout options. And always remember, that alcohol and smoking are the worst enemies of our bone strength.
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.
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 neutralised. Other than these treatments, patients are recommended weight bearing exercises like yoga, brisk walking, dancing and lifting light bearable weights.
(The writer is a spine surgeon, Director, Spine Solutions India)