Osteoporosis refers to a loss in bone density that occurs as you age. Dense bones are stronger and more stable – but weak, porous bones become brittle and can easily break.
Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, due to hormonal changes during menopause. However, anyone who doesn’t stay on top of vitamin D and Calcium deficiencies as they age can develop osteoporosis. Senile osteoporosis is universal and effects men and women at the same rate. This usually manifests in the 70s or 80s. Senile osteoporosis is linked to aging, while post-menopausal osteoporosis is linked to the hormonal changes associated with menopause.
How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
Usually, osteoporosis isn’t diagnosed until a fracture has already occurred. Women over the age of 65, due to their high risk of developing this condition, are recommended for bone density screenings (DEXA screenings.) If you have a family history of osteoporosis, you may need to begin these screenings sooner.
It’s important to make these screenings a priority, because as the condition progresses, even a minor cough can fracture ribs, and falls can lead to more serious fractures in the hips and lower half of the body – which can greatly limit your mobility and quality of life as you rest and recover
How To Prevent Osteoporosis?
The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to make sure you’re getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals as you age. You also need to make sure you’re getting them in the appropriate ratios to each other to maximize your absorption.
For example, to absorb calcium – you need Vitamin D. The best source of vitamin D is sunlight, but as we age, we can often become deficient.
Starting to take a Vitamin D supplement is a great option to ensure you’re getting the right amount necessary to absorb calcium efficiently. And since it’s extremely difficult to take too much, you can rest assured that a vitamin D supplement should be safe to take (under the guidance of your physician.).
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