new bone. Because estrogen plays an
important part in building new bone,
Some women are more at risk of
the decline in estrogen starting with
developing osteoporosis than others.
menopause leaves many older women
Risk factors, things that increase your
at risk for developing osteoporosis.
chance of developing a health problem,
In fact, half of American women over
include:
the age of 50 will probably have a bone
◗
a family history of osteoporosis
break or fracture later in life because of
◗
a broken bone while an adult
osteoporosis. For too many, the broken
◗
surgery to remove both ovaries
bone, especially if it is a hip fracture, will before natural menopause
mean they can no longer live independently.
◗
early menopause
Broken bones because of osteoporosis
◗
insufficient calcium throughout life
are also common in the wrist and spine.
◗
extended bed rest
Breaks in bones of the spine (vertebrae)
◗
smoking
are especially serious as this can lead to
◗
long-term heavy drinking
curvature of the spine, loss of height,
◗
using certain medicines, such as
glucocorticoids or some anticonvul-
and pain. A broken hip or wrist is often
sants, for long periods of time
the result of a fall, but for a woman with
◗
being thin or having a small body frame
osteoporosis in her spine, bending over
If you have any of these risk factors or are or coughing strongly can be enough to
concerned about the health of your bones, cause a broken vertebra.
talk to your doctor about what you can do to protect them.
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M E N O P A U S E : T I M E F O R A C H A N G E
C A L C I U M A N D V I T A M I N D