Skip to main content

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become brittle from loss of tissue. This occurs as a result of a decrease in hormones or essential minerals as we age. Dr Stanley Lipschitz, a specialist in geriatric medicine, says menopause and osteoporosis are strongly connected.

“Bones are very dependent on estrogen. When a woman goes through menopause and her levels of estrogen lessen, the density and quality of bones may rapidly deteriorate.”

How fracture risk is measured

According to Lipschitz, while bone density is important, it is not the only risk factor. “When we test for a patient’s fracture risk, there are many other factors that have to be taken into account,” he says. These include age, previous fractures, low body weight, premature menopause, eating disorders, overactive thyroid, smoking and excessive drinking.

The preventive approach to osteoporosis

Lipschitz says premenopausal women should focus on a preventive approach, while postmenopausal women have to focus on both a preventive and curative approach.Osteoporosis | Longevity Live

Key factors for a preventive approach include:

• A healthy lifestyle;

• Moderate, but not excessive exercise

• Adequate protein;

• Adequate dairy or other sources of calcium;

• Avoiding cigarettes; and

• Avoiding alcohol.

The curative approach to osteoporosis

You should consult a specialist to ensure that you are on the right treatment plan. Researchers suggest that you consider the following points:

• Ensure a calcium intake of 1 000 – 1 500 mg per day;

• Take a daily dose of 400 – 800 IU of vitamin D per day; and

• Undergo BHRT rather than HRT.

Click here to find out what men’s risk of contracting this condition.

Your skeleton is your body’s support structure. Losing that support has numerous consequences for your quality of life. With a few simple preventive measures, you can ensure the strength of that support well into your senior years. Click here to find out how researchers are  currently combatting this condition with anti-aging drugs.

 

Guest Writer

Guest Writer

This post has been curated by a Longevity Live editor for the website.

Longevity Live is a digital publisher AND DOES NOT OFFER PERSONAL HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY NUTRITION, DIET, EXERCISE, FITNESS, MEDICAL, OR WELLNESS PROGRAM.

This content, developed through collaboration with licensed medical professionals and external contributors, including text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, procedure, or treatment, whether it is a prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, supplement, or herbal alternative.

Longevity Live makes no guarantees about the efficacy or safety of products or treatments described in any of our posts. Any information on supplements, related services and drug information contained in our posts are subject to change and are not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Longevity does not recommend or endorse any specific test, clinician, clinical care provider, product, procedure, opinion, service, or other information that may be mentioned on Longevity’s websites, apps, and Content.