Why does osteoporosis "favor" postmenopausal women?

According to statistics: the prevalence of spinal fractures in women over 50 years old is 15%, which means that one in every seven women over 50 years old has suffered a spinal fracture. Why are women a high-risk group for fractures? What is the reason behind fractures in older women? Experts say that postmenopausal women are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men due to a decline in hormone levels and other factors, and osteoporosis is the most common cause of fractures in the elderly.

Osteoporosis "favors" postmenopausal women

"Osteoporosis itself is relatively common among the elderly, and most of them are primary. As they age, their ability to absorb calcium is insufficient, and as hormone levels decrease, they are more susceptible to osteoporosis," experts said. Postmenopausal women are more likely to be at high risk of osteoporosis. This is because the secretion of estrogen in women's bodies decreases after menopause, which also makes postmenopausal women a high-risk group for osteoporosis. It is also because of menopause that women are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men. And in terms of age, generally speaking, women develop osteoporosis about 10 years earlier than men.

In fact, osteoporosis is an aging disease. As people age, their bone condition generally deteriorates. Experts suggest that, generally speaking, men can start bone density screening at around 40 to 50 years old. Women should undergo bone density screening if they have menstrual irregularities or menopausal symptoms. It is not necessary for women under 40 years old. It is recommended to screen once every six months to a year, because bone changes are relatively slow and no obvious changes will occur in a short period of time.

Are there any signs of osteoporosis in women?

Many women experience cramps while sleeping at night, and sometimes the condition recurs many times. Is this due to calcium deficiency causing osteoporosis? Experts remind that if people experience repeated cramps while sleeping, it may be a sign of early osteoporosis, but further examination is needed to confirm it. Although cramps are more likely to occur when the human body is calcium deficient as the amount of calcium decreases, the occurrence of cramps does not necessarily mean that the body is calcium deficient.

Are the back pain and lower back pain that often occur in some pregnant women and breastfeeding women also related to osteoporosis? Experts believe that this may be related to osteoporosis, but for pregnant women, the amount of calcium they need is a little more than usual. However, the back pain and lower back pain at this time are not necessarily caused by calcium deficiency, and it cannot be simply said that the pain in the waist is due to osteoporosis.

The media has reported that osteoporosis in women is becoming younger, and more and more young girls are suffering from osteoporosis. Is this really the case? Experts say that this trend is not very obvious at present, and the majority of women suffering from osteoporosis are still the elderly. Perhaps due to the bad living habits, unhealthy diet, lack of proper exercise and lack of sun exposure of girls today, people mistakenly believe that osteoporosis is occurring at a younger age. In addition, relatively severe osteoporosis in some young people may also be secondary.

Get more sun and exercise more to increase bone density, not just calcium supplementation

To prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis, you should pay attention to increasing exercise appropriately and get enough sunlight exposure. Because under the sunlight, vitamin D is converted into active ingredients, which are more conducive to calcium absorption, promote metabolism, and prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis.

Experts point out that simply supplementing calcium has no obvious effect on the treatment of osteoporosis. Especially for the elderly, excessive calcium supplementation will make it difficult for the body to absorb, and excessive calcium supplementation may cause some adverse reactions in the body. He suggested that for the treatment of osteoporosis, people should try to go to the hospital for regular treatment, because during the treatment process, the patient's own condition will be evaluated to determine the appropriate treatment method. It is not advisable to supplement calcium on your own.