World Osteoporosis Day: How are Postmenopausal Women at Risk for Fractures?

Every year October 20 is observed as World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) to raise global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a metabolic bone disease called osteoporosis. The day is organized by International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and launches a year-long campaign on this bone disease.

It is essential to take good care of your bones. Remember, bones are your support system as the entire weight of your body rests on them. Bones give shape to your body, protect your organs and help in free movement. Packed with a protein called collagen, bones also contain calcium phosphate minerals. These are vital in maintaining strong and healthy bones. However, as you age your calcium levels may decrease. All you need to do is follow healthy habits for strengthening your bones. In this way, you can protect them from osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which your bones become fragile and weak. Deficiencies of vitamin D, calcium and estrogen hormones may lead to this condition. This bone degenerative complication may increase the risk for fractures. Women are more prone to develop this condition as they are near the menopause phase. During that time, the ovaries of women stop the production of estrogen hormones. This is why there are more women suffering from osteoporosis than men.

Every October 20th, World Osteoporosis Day raises awareness about this condition. Besides global observance, each country celebrates National Osteoporosis Day by adopting different themes. Thus, the event reaches out to millions of people across the globe. It encourages us to prioritize bone health for preventing this disease. 

Read on to understand more about it and how this awareness can benefit postmenopausal women.

Osteoporosis symptoms 

Bone and muscle problems are the most common signs of this condition. A few classic symptoms seen in the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) phase include the following.  

• Fragility of bones
• Increased risk of fracture
• Inability to perform normal activities
• Lower back pain
• Discomfort while climbing stairs, walking or bending
• Muscle and bone weakness
• Aches in joints

Causes of postmenopausal osteoporosis 

There can be several reasons for this condition. Many health complications increase the risk of fractures. However, postmenopausal osteoporosis arises primarily due to the following secondary factors. 

• Diabetes 
• Sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle 
• Smoking 
• Vitamin deficiency<span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":276}">
• Body size 
• Liver and endocrine diseases<span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":276}">
• Excessive consumption of alcohol

Osteoporosis prevention and treatment 

Doctors treat this disorder in different ways. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the damage caused to bones. While you may need to take prescribed medications, you can also follow these remedies [2]. 

• Eat foods rich in calcium since lack of this mineral is one of the main reasons for poor bone health. 
• Consume nutrients such as magnesium, vitamins K and D to improve the strength of your muscles. 
• Do routine exercises to maintain your body weight.

Osteopenia vs Osteoporosis: How are they different? 

While osteoporosis means porous or soft bones, osteopenia is a stage midway to it. If osteopenia is not managed on time, it may lead to osteoporosis. Though in osteopenia, the density of bones is low, it may not be severe like other conditions. If you have bone density score between -1.0 and -2.5, you are likely to be suffering from osteopenia. In case of osteoporosis, you score reduces below -2.5. It causes serious fractures as bones become brittle and weak. However, this is not so in case of osteopenia. Since your bones do not turn fragile, taking proper measures may help prevent osteoporosis.

World Osteoporosis Day 2021 

The theme of World Osteoporosis Day 2021 was Serve Up Bone Strength. Its sole aim is spread the importance of evaluating bone density globally. Osteoporosis Day spreads awareness about the importance of maintaining good bone health. Digital platforms are used to spread awareness with hashtags such as #TakeActionforBoneHealth. The celebrations include many worldwide campaigns and seminars.

It is important to undergo a bone mineral density test if you show any symptoms of this condition. This may help in preventing fractures. Adopt healthy lifestyle practices and ensure to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. If you are in your perimenopausal stage and facing osteoporosis symptoms, consult a specialist. Book an appointment on Bajaj Finserv Health with top gynecologists or orthopedics. Prioritize your health and do a bone diagnosis at the right time.