Bones serve many functions – they provide structure for the body, protect organs, anchor muscles and store calcium. Did you know that humans have 206 bones that support the body’s total weight? That’s why it’s important to build strong bones when you are young and to protect bone health when you are an adult. Because around age 30, most people reach their peak bone mass. After that, everyone loses bone mass.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that can result in weak bones and fractures (breaks). In fact, the most common cause of bone fractures is osteoporosis. There are several factors that contribute to this condition and some are related to the aging process, because as we age, our bodies can’t build new bones as quickly. However, women under 50 can also be at risk for developing this disease.
How likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends on how much bone mass you’ve built up by age 30 and how rapidly you lose it after then. The more bone mass you’ve built up by age 30, the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis as you get older.
Osteopenia is when bones have a low bone-density mass, usually as a result of new bone formation that is not keeping up with the rate of bone loss. While it is not as severe as osteoporosis, there is a risk for bone fractures, as with osteoporosis. Osteopenia can occur in women of all ages and has similar risk factors. As with osteoporosis, there are no symptoms -- until a bone breaks and sometimes, not even then. If not corrected, osteopenia can lead to premature osteoporosis.
If you have risk factors for osteoporosis – such as a recent bone fracture – and are concerned about your bone health, you should make an appointment with your doctor. He or she might recommend a bone density test. Bone density is a measurement of how thick and strong bones are. A bone density test is recommended for:
The results of your bone density test can help your doctor determine your rate of bone loss; considered along with your risk factors, this can lead your doctor to prescribe medication to slow the bone loss.
Now that you know what may put you at risk for osteoporosis, you can start a plan to keep your bones strong or work on building them up to slow the natural bone loss.
Drink more than one alcohol drink per day
It’s always a good idea to have a discussion with your doctor about whether you should be tested for bone loss with a bone density test. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, your doctor will offer suggestions about medications that can protect or build bone, which may include dietary supplements.
To learn more about bone health, visit these reliable sources:
2349 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, California 95833
