Many people still think that osteoporosis is a problem of old age, but in fact, the process of bone density decline in women may start much earlier. According to experts, after reaching the peak bone mass around age 30, the body will move to the stage of gradual bone loss without clear signs.
Dr. Sanjeev Mahajan, Director of Orthopedics at Fortis Ludhiana Hospital (India), said that after age 30, the bone resorption process begins to exceed the bone formation process. On average, women can lose 0.5% to 1% of bone density each year. What is worrying is that osteoporosis progresses silently, without causing pain, so it is usually only detected when a fracture has occurred or through bone density measurement tests.
Why are women more prone to osteoporosis?
Compared to men, women are at higher risk of osteoporosis due to many biological factors. First of all, women's bone structure is usually smaller and thinner. In addition, the hormone estrogen, an important factor in protecting bones, will decline sharply when entering menopause.
During this period, the rate of bone loss can increase rapidly, fluctuating from 1% to 5% per year in the first few years. This is the time when the risk of osteoporosis increases, when bone density decreases rapidly if there are no timely interventions.
In addition to endocrine factors, lifestyle also significantly affects bone health. A diet lacking calcium and vitamin D, lack of exercise, smoking or frequent alcohol consumption can all make the bone loss process earlier and faster.
What to do to protect bone health?
Experts recommend that women should proactively take care of their bones early, especially after age 30, to slow down bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis later.
Some important measures include:
Supplement enough calcium through foods such as milk, small fish eaten with bones, dark green vegetables.
Ensure vitamin D to support effective calcium absorption, through sunlight or supplements.
Maintain regular physical exercise, especially load-bearing exercises such as walking, light weights, or yoga.
Limit alcohol and tobacco, as these factors reduce bone formation.
Regular health monitoring, especially for people with risk factors such as family history or long-term drug use.
Notes
Osteoporosis is not a disease that only appears in the elderly. The process of bone loss in women can begin silently right after age 30 and last for many years without obvious manifestations. Therefore, proactive prevention, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and periodic bone health checks are key to helping reduce the risk of fractures and subsequent complications.
