Women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass in the first 5-7 years after
menopause
More than half who survive a hip fracture will need long-term care and 20
percent
do not survive the first year due to complications from that fracture
A Bone Mineral Density test is the best test currently available to detect
osteoporosis before a fracture occurs
It is preventable and treatable
Risk factors for osteoporosis (* primary risk factors):
Cigarette smoking*
Personal history of a non-traumatic fracture as an adult*
Family history of osteoporosis or fractures in an adult family member*
Small body size (less than 127 pounds)*
Caucasian and Asian women
Early menopause (less than 40 years old)
Postmenopausal
Over the age of 50
Low lifetime intake of calcium and vitamin D
Immobility or lack of adequate exercise
Excessive alcohol consumption
Eating disorders
Steroids used to treat asthma, arthritis and other conditions
Taking seizure medications
Excessive amount of thyroid hormone
What can I do?
Women ages 19 until menopause should get 1000 mg of calcium each day, and
menopausal women 1200-1500 mg each day
Get enough Vitamin D (400-800 IU each day)
30-60 minutes of weight bearing activity, 5-7 days a week and 10-15
minutes of strength training 2-3 days a week
Stop smoking
Cut down on caffeine
Cut down on alcohol
Consider medications for prevention and/or treatment, if appropriate
Talk with your health care provider about whether a bone densitometry is
right for you
