World Osteoporosis Day is a reminder to check our bone health. Osteoporosis affects 1 out of 3 women over 50, and 1 out of 5 men over 50 will experience a fracture in their lifetime. Osteoporosis is a silent condition until it’s not, making it essential to protect your future bone health. This week on Fox17, Dr. Bitner discusses the importance of bone health and how you can nurture your bones in practical ways.
Fact #1
Build strong bone mass early. Adults reach their peak bone mass around age 32, making it crucial to support bone health during the teen years and early adulthood. You can strengthen bones with calcium and vitamin D. It’s recommended to have 3 to 4 servings a day of calcium and take a vitamin D supplement during the colder months. Staying active is essential for bone health, as regular movement stimulates bone growth and helps maintain strength as bones continuously adapt and change.
Fact #2
Understand your risk. By the age of 32, the cells (osteoblasts) that break down our bone density work in equivalence to the cells (osteoclasts) that build it up. This leads to a slow decline in bone density. Knowing your risk factors allows you to take proactive steps to prevent osteoporosis.
Genetic Risk Factors:
- Age
- Family History
Lifestyle Risk Factors:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Medical Conditions that can Increase Your Risk:
- Celiac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Kidney or liver disease
- Cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Menopause
Medications that may Increase Your Risk:
- Oral steroids
- Drugs used to treat seizures
- Gastric reflux
- Cancer
- Transplant rejection
While certain risk factors, like age and menopause, are unavoidable, others can be effectively managed through healthy habits. In some cases, medication or treatment that hinders your bone health may be necessary; that’s why it’s important to determine if any medications you’re taking may be increasing that risk. Protecting your bone health begins with learning your risk and discussing your bone density with a doctor.
Fact #3
Know your bone density score. DEXA is a painless test that measures your bone density and gives you a score. You should get a test done when transitioning into menopause and another at 65. By discussing your risk factors and score with your doctor, you can get a personalized schedule and plan to prioritize preventing osteoporosis.
Patient story:
Jane, 38, was in early menopause when her doctor scheduled a bone density test for her. It showed osteoporosis, with a T-score in her hips at -2.7 and in her spine at -2.5. Jane had no idea that her peak bone mass was set by 32, and she was never told the importance of taking a vitamin D supplement and prioritizing calcium intake. She had no symptoms, was active, and never smoked.
Her doctor reassured her that having osteoporosis did not mean she would have a fracture, just that she was at higher risk. Jane was a good candidate for MHT (menopausal hormone therapy) with estrogen and progesterone. While MHT does not treat osteoporosis, it does protect current bone health. Jane also began an oral medication for osteoporosis. With lifestyle recommendations from her doctor, she started a strength training program and walked at least 8000 steps daily. Jane is grateful she was informed and had a doctor who helped her understand her risk, giving her hope for her future.
Takeaway tip:
Prioritize your future health by understanding your risk factors for osteoporosis: age, lifestyle, medications, and medical conditions. Learning your risk factors and bone density score can empower you to take proactive steps toward a healthy future. Start the conversation with your doctor today to protect your bone health.
