Protecting Your Bones During Menopause

The care of bones and joints has been gaining increased attention as movement and activity become more and more valued as fundamental elements of our quality of life. In the younger postmenopausal population, trauma and fractures are the greatest cause of disability and death, while in the older group hip fractures are among the most frequent and seriously disabling conditions, often leading to loss of independence and even death. In the UK, hip fracture is the number one reason why older women lose their ability to live independently and need to be institutionalized.

In addition, joint problems such as osteoarthritis account for a substantial loss in quality of life, with a large associated economic and social cost for treatment. Arthritis is one of the most common diseases of this stage of life. It affects millions of adults and half of all people aged 65 and older. The three most common kinds of arthritis in older are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. In fact, hip and knee replacements are among the most frequently performed operations in people over 50 years of age.

Although the link between arthritis and gender is less clear, gender is certainly a a factor in some rheumatic diseases. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia are all more common among women.  This indicates that hormones or other male-female differences may play a role in the development of these conditions.

The Right Way Forward

Whereas some of these alterations are simply the result of aging and may be altogether unavoidable, much can be done to prevent and reduce the consequences of these  problems.

A healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, weight control and exercise, will substantially reduce the risk of fractures, falls and the worsening of arthritis.  In addition, a few medical treatments are now available that may be very helpful in dealing with the causes and consequences of these conditions. However, these medical treatments tend to be expensive and long lasting, and may have side effects, so individual needs and risks should always be discussed with your healthcare professional before you embark on any long term therapy.

Keeping Bones Strong

Calcium is key to bone strength, but how and when you take it is very important. Take calcium in small doses (400 mg per dose) with plenty of water throughout the day. If you take any more at one time it will be eliminated as a waste product. Take calcium with meals, but do not take it with any fiber or iron supplements, as these will hamper its absorption.