Let's Talk Menopause & Bone Health

Are you menopausal, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal?Have you had a recent bone density scan?​
Osteopenia & Osteoporosis are becoming an epidemic in our society. Millions of women (and men) have these conditions without knowing it. This is because these are “silent” conditions which often do not exhibit symptoms, and therefore are not addressed properly or in a timely fashion.
What are Osteopenia and Osteoporosis? 
Osteopenia is a condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal. Its defined as a bone mineral density score between -1.0 and -2.5, and is considered by many doctors to be a precursor to osteoporosis.
​Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density which can lead to an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is defined as a bone mineral density score of -2.5 standard deviations or more below the mean peak bone mass. Medication is typically indicated.
What are the risk factors for these conditions?

• Sex. Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than are men.
• Age. The older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
• Race. You're at greatest risk of osteoporosis if you're white or of Asian descent.
• Lifestyle: sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use. 
• Family history. Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk, especially if your mother or father experienced a hip fracture.
• Body frame size. Men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from as they age.
• Hormones. The reduction of estrogen levels in women at menopause is one of the strongest risk factors for developing osteoporosis. Men experience a gradual reduction in testosterone levels as they age.
• Medical conditions including: celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, low calcium intake, eating disorders, gastrointestinal surgery,
• Medications such as corticosteroids and cancer treatment drugs 

To determine your exact fracture risk calculation, complete this survey here ​​What are the complications of these conditions?
Bone fractures, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complication of osteoporosis. Hip fractures often are caused by a fall and can result in disability and even an increased risk of death within the first year after the injury. In some cases, spinal fractures can occur even if you haven't fallen causing back pain, lost height and a hunched forward posture.
How are Osteopenia and Osteoporosis treated?
Treatment varies considerably among physicians and practitioners, but usually includes hormone balancing, exercises specific for bone health, a healthy diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and magnesium, and bone building supplements or medications.
Exercises which improve posture (decreasing round back kyphosis position), strengthen the spinal muscles and hip muscles in particular. 
Balance exercises are also important to decrease fall risk, and potential fracture related to falls.