Warning Signs of Osteoporosis

Loss of bone mass produces minimal symptoms, while it quietly eats away skeletal strength, making bones more susceptible to fracture. For some women, a fracture may therefore be the first outward sign of osteoporosis. A broken bone as the result of a minor jolt, such as a wrist fracture following a simple fall, is a good reason to suspect the development of osteoporosis. An x-ray of the fracture can confirm the extent to which the break was caused by deterioration of the bone. Fortunately, for many women there are other, less dramatic signs to watch for.

Backache

Because the vertebrae are the most common site of fracture in osteoporotic women, an early symptom of the disease is a persistent backache in the lower part of the spine. Sudden muscle spasms or pain in the back can occur while you are resting or doing routine daily tasks. This sudden pain is often caused by the spontaneous collapse of small sections of the spine that have been severely thinned or weakened over time. Unlike back pain due to other causes, this pain is localized and seldom spreads. Seeking treatment from an orthopedic specialist or gynecologist is important. Those who develop osteoporosis often begin to notice more severe backaches about 9 and a half years after their last menstrual period or 13 years after surgical menopause.

Height Loss

Spinal osteoporosis is rarely diagnosed until spinal bones have broken. These breaks occur at the weakest points of the spinal column -- places where the spine naturally curves. Women are often unaware that they have these compression fractures because they don't always cause prolonged or severe pain, or disability. However, one unmistakable warning sign is a loss of height, which is directly related to spinal crush fractures. This loss of 2-and-a-half up to as much as 8 inches occurs in the upper half of the body. You can and should watch for development of spinal osteoporosis by routinely measuring and recording your height.

" Dowager's Hump"

With a loss of height due to vertebral fractures comes distortion of the spine's normal curves. This can lead to the development of a "dowager's hump" -- a protrusion in the upper back and a shortening of the chest area, that leaves the ribs practically sitting on the pelvic region. One consequence is more difficulty in digesting food. Another is the impact on your appearance and self-esteem. This hunchback-like appearance is not a natural part of growing older or the result of poor posture; it is a clear indication of osteoporosis.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss during midlife and the thinning of bones supporting the teeth is another indication of osteoporosis. The loss of tooth-bearing bone, called periodontal disease, is common among osteoporotic women. This bone thinning may be detected early by dental x-rays. To prevent periodontal disease, menopausal women should take extra care with their dental hygiene. This includes regular checkups and cleanings, brushing, and daily cleaning with dental floss or a Water Pik to retrieve food particles below the gum line.

Preventing Osteoporosis

While the effects of osteoporosis are most often seen in later life, your risk is determined by your level of bone mass at age 35. For this reason, it is important to build bone to its peak density prior to menopause. It is essential for young women to be aware of risk factors and to take steps to slow bone loss and improve bone remodeling. However, women in their 50s and 60s can also benefit by taking immediate anti-osteoporosis action. These steps focus on diet and exercise.

Calcium

Calcium, the primary component of bone tissue, is the key factor in maintaining bone strength. But if you diet, fast, or habitually eat little, your daily calcium requirements are probably not being met. In addition, excess consumption of protein, sodium, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine has been shown to decrease absorption of calcium from your diet. And a certain amount of calcium is lost naturally each day through excretion. Since your body needs calcium to function, it tries to compensate for all of these deficits by taking calcium from your bones.

This situation is further complicated as a woman reaches menopause. Since estrogen increases the absorption of calcium into your system, lower estrogen levels generally mean you need to take in more calcium. Your body will absorb calcium without estrogen -- but only at a lower rate.