Explains the relationship between menopause and bone | Introducing the effects of decreased bone density on the body

During menopause, hormonal changes slow bone formation. Failure to maintain bone health increases the risk of osteoporosis, fractures , and even bedridden conditions.

This article provides an overview of osteoporosis and the effects of decreased bone density on the body.

What is osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an imbalance in the functions of osteoblasts, which form bones, and osteoclasts, which destroy bones. It is a state in which it becomes easier to

Osteoporosis often occurs in postmenopausal women, and is caused by a decrease in the secretion of the female hormone estrogen, which has a role in activating osteoblasts, in addition to lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise1 )2).

In order to prevent osteoporosis, it is necessary to consume a large amount of calcium and vitamin D , which are nutrients that promote an increase in bone density, which indicates the amount of bone mineral per unit area (cm²) of bone, through meals and supplements, and to promote bone formation. Measures such as refraining from smoking and drinking to reduce

Effects of low bone density on the body

There is a risk of developing osteoporosis due to the decrease in estrogen and bone density after menopause, but it can be prevented by reviewing lifestyle habits, so it is important to take correct measures from the young age of 30 or 40 . .

If you feel pain in your bones or if your bones are deformed, have a bone densitometry to check if your bones are strong, and if you have problems, consider early treatment.

In this article, we will discuss the effects of postmenopausal bone loss on the body.

suddenly broken bones

The most common symptom of osteoporosis caused by a decrease in bone density is vertebral body fracture, which causes the spine to collapse . This fracture may occur in everyday activities without being aware of it, and is sometimes called " unnoticed fracture ". What I thought was a bad back pain turned out to be a broken bone. In addition, bones that are difficult to break in daily life, such as femoral neck fractures at the base of the thigh and distal radius fractures at the base of the hand , may break due to light impacts .

If this state of low bone density is left unattended , compression fractures of the lumbar vertebrae may occur unnoticed, causing severe pain .

Exercise has a positive effect on maintaining bone density

A study investigating whether fractures due to osteoporosis can be prevented found that exercise maintains muscle strength and bone density and reduces the risk of fractures in men and women over the age of 45 4).

There is no clear standard for the frequency of exercise, and it is necessary to devise it according to the exercise ability, but it is said that increasing the flexibility of the body by stretching is effective in preventing vertebral fractures .

Also read the following articles
Introducing recommended exercises for menopause

References

1) Journal of the Japan Geriatrics Society, Vol. 56, No. 2: Osteoporosis Mechanism, 2019 https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/geriatrics/56/2/56_56.116/_pdf/-char /en

2) Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare: e-healthnet https://www.e-healthnet.mhlw.go.jp/information/dictionary/food/ye-043.html

3) Nippon Medical School Journal Vol.5 No.2: Osteoporotic Spine Vertebral Fracture, 2009 https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/manms/5/2/5_2_125/_pdf

4) Nichiei Shi: Evidence for prevention of bone fractures and osteoporosis by improving exercise and physical activity, 2003 https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jjh1946/58/3/58_3_328/_pdf