What is worrying is that the disease progresses silently, with few obvious symptoms and is usually only detected when complications have occurred.
Ms. Nguyen Thanh Huong (39 years old, Phu Nhuan ward, Ho Chi Minh City) was quite surprised when she was diagnosed with osteoporosis during a periodic health check-up at Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center Hospital (facility 3). Although she did not have obvious symptoms, she was still advised by doctors to change her lifestyle, supplement calcium and increase exercise to limit the progression of osteoporosis.
According to the World Health Organization's definition, osteoporosis is a condition in which bone mineral density decreases by 2.5 standard deviations or more compared to healthy young people of the same sex (T-score ≤ −2.5). In women, bone loss takes place silently for many years and is usually only detected when fractures occur.
TS.BS. CKII Kieu Xuan Thy, Head of Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center Hospital - Branch 3, said that after age 40, especially in the pre-menopause and menopause stages, the rate of bone loss can increase rapidly due to hormonal changes. When estrogen levels decrease, the activity of bone-destroying cells increases while the bone formation process does not compensate in time, leading to a rapid decrease in bone density in the early years after menopause.
Studies show that women can lose about 1-3% of bone density per year in the first 5-10 years after menopause, especially in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. This makes many women who do not have symptoms still have fractures when suffering minor injuries.
According to the International Osteoporosis Federation, about 1/3 of women over 50 years old will experience at least one fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime, compared to about 1/5 in men. Collarbone fractures, vertebrae fractures, and wrist fractures are common complications that greatly affect quality of life and mobility.
In addition to endocrine factors, many other causes also increase the risk of osteoporosis such as calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, lack of exercise, smoking or prolonged use of corticosteroids. In particular, women who work in environments with little sun exposure or have a poor diet are more likely to face a higher risk.
Measuring bone mineral density using the DEXA method is currently a common diagnostic standard. Early detection helps doctors intervene promptly, reducing the risk of fractures in the future.
Experts recommend that although osteoporosis screening is usually recommended from age 65, bone protection should start earlier. After age 35-40, bone density begins to gradually decrease, so it is necessary to maintain regular exercise such as brisk walking, strength training or climbing stairs.
Diet also plays an important role. Adults should supplement enough calcium, vitamin D and dairy protein, small fish eat bones, dark green vegetables and sunlight reasonably. At the same time, weight control and avoiding excessive weight loss also help protect bone health.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease but can be completely prevented if detected early. Proactively checking health, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and supplementing reasonable nutrition will help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and protect long-term quality of life.
