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Menopause Relief: Preventing Bone Loss

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, also known as brittle bones, is deterioration of bone tissue that leads to bone fragility and increased risk of fracture.

To understand how osteoporosis develops, it’s important to understand how our bones work. Constantly, our bones are being remodeled. This is a natural, healthy cycle in which calcium is taken out of the bone and absorbed back into the blood (resorption), followed by deposit of new bone. This turnover helps repair any minor damage that may occur with wear and tear.



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In our growth years, up until about age 25, calcium is deposited into the bone faster than it is taken out. In the bone, it forms thick, dense white webs of calcium crystals - that’s what hardens our bones.

Menopause

But at menopause (and for many men age 60 and older), calcium deposits slow down. The bones are not getting the calcium they need. Small holes, like broken spider webs, begin to appear in the calcium crystals holding the bones together. As more calcium is pulled out, these holes grow and grow until bones begin to crumble. A simple fall shatters a hip. Even a cough, as harmless as it seems, can break a rib.

How do I know if I have osteoporosis?

Early on, osteoporosis is often a silent disease. But early detection is important because prevention strategies can stave off bone loss.

A quick, pain-free exam called DEXA bone density testing, now used by the physicians at the Pritikin Longevity Center, is the most advanced technology for accurately assessing osteoporosis risk. Standard x-rays do not detect osteoporosis until one-quarter of bone mass is already lost. By then, susceptibility to fracture already exists. DEXA detects as little as one percent of bone loss.

After a diagnosis is made, routine follow-up with DEXA should be performed at least annually to monitor bone health.

How do I prevent bone loss?

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Pritikin Perspective - Healthy Living Made Easier
Pritikin Perspective is a publication for Alumni of the Pritikin Longevity Center. It is dedicated to helping people make healthy changes in their lives. The articles in this publication should not be considered specific medical advice, as each individual circumstance is different. You are strongly encouraged to seek medical advice before beginning a program of diet and exercise.
Editor/Writer: Eugenia Killoran

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