Menopause - the term may carry a heavy load with it! A woman may develop a feeling of being "finished up" after her menopause. After all, it denotes the end of her fertile years. Menopause may affect a woman psychologically. But the effects which menopause brings on a woman's physical health cannot be underestimated either. Women in their post menopausal years stand at a greater risk of osteoporosis.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a phase of life which every woman has to face someday. It denotes the end of the fertile phase and the permanent cessation of the function of the ovaries. The phase is marked by a decrease in the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Menopause occurs around midlife, that is, around the age of 40 to 50 years. Here is more on symptoms and effects of menopause.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to an increased loss of bone mass and strength, causing porosity of bones and hence increasing the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis, also called brittle bone disease, is potentially one of the most serious health condition that causes the bones to weaken. Osteoporosis decreases the peak bone mass leading to fragile and easily broken bones, especially in the wrists and hips. Because the disease rarely causes symptoms, it may remain undiagnosed until a fracture occurs during a minor fall or accident. While osteoporosis is quite common it is still a condition that is widely misunderstood.
Relation Between Menopause and Osteoporosis
Estrogen hormone, secreted by the ovaries, plays an important role in keeping the bones healthy. Estrogen keeps a constant watch on the osteoclasts (a type of bone cells which removes bone tissue by removing its mineralized matrix). The osteoclasts are responsible for calcium resorption from the bones and this leads to osteoporosis. The hormone works by suppressing the osteoclastogenic cytokine production in the T- cells and the osteoblasts (the cells that make bone) and by inducing apoptotic death of the osteoclasts, thereby preserving the bone health. In menopausal women, the levels of estrogen fall down considerably and so they lack the hormonal protection. That is the reason why, women, after their menopause, stand at a greater risk of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Diagnosis
A bone density scan (also called densitometry or DXA scan) gives a clear picture of the bone health. A bone density test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone.
Osteoporosis Treatment
- Calcium Supplements: If you have mild osteopenia (lower than normal bone mineral density) or even a family history of osteoporosis, then you need to take a diet rich in calcium. Sometimes when diet alone is not sufficient to meet your calcium requirements, the doctor may prescribe you a calcium supplement with a maximum dosage of 1000mg/day.
- Calcitonin Shots: It is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Calcitonin shots and nasal sprays are advised in cases in which the rate of bone resorption is very high. Calcitonin shrinks the osteoclasts and reduces the bone resorption, although it does not help in the formation of new bone cells.
- Estrogen Therapy: It helps in treating the post menopausal symptoms as well as in improving bone health. In cases of osteoporosis and osteopenia, estrogen therapy helps by reducing the osteoclastic activity and by building up more muscle mass, which in turn, decreases the risk of fractures.
- Vitamin D Supplementation: It is often used along with calcium supplements. Vitamin D leads to the better absorption of calcium in the body. Vitamin D can also be obtained by an exposure to the early morning sunlight for 20 minutes.
- Exercises: Exercises prevent bone loss and make bones and muscles stronger. Performance of weight bearing exercises for at least 4 times a week can help in the prevention of osteoporosis. Strength and balance exercises will help in gaining a better body posture and balance while decreasing your chances of falling down and getting a bone fracture.
Every phase in the life of a human being carries a different essence of happiness. People should try to identify the reasons to stay happy and to celebrate each phase. Menopause does not mark the completion of life. There is still a long way to go! Thus, a woman should now take proper care of her physical health for the ultimate well-being of her mental health. Staying healthy and active will make her feel energetic and youthful like before!
