After menopause, most women experience bone loss, which can eventually lead to osteoporosis. Unfortunately, of the estimated 28 million women in America who have low bone mass, relatively few have been diagnosed or treated.
That’s because many effects of osteoporosis are silent. In the early stages, it can have few, if any, physical effects that are noticeable. However, as the disease progresses, fractures can occur, especially in the spine, wrists, and hip bones. This can lead to pain, loss of height, and loss of confidence and strength.
And although taking calcium is important for osteoporosis, calcium can’t totally stop bone loss or rebuild bone after menopause.
The good news is, now there are treatment programs that can actually strengthen bone after menopause. That’s why early detection is so important. And if you’re at risk, the most practical way to help your doctor diagnose the disease is a bone density test. It’s safe, painless, and noninvasive.
So talk to your doctor right away to see if you need a bone density test. Because after all, the best time to stop bone loss is before you break one.
August 24, 2004
