Guest Author - Sharon Bejin

Many women suffer from osteoporosis; this condition is the thinning of bones that can lead to fractures and breaks. Doctors can do a bone density test to tell them who is likely to get osteoporosis. We all lose bone density as we age, but some women are more likely to develop osteoporosis.

Women who started menopause at an early age or those who are past menopause are at risk for osteoporosis. Women who forgo their daily calcium intake just to cut calories are not doing themselves any favors by eliminating this important item from their diet; milk is loaded with calcium. Smoking, being underweight, and drinking too much alcohol will put women in the high risk category for osteoporosis. Some medicines, such as steroids can also cause bone thinning.

The bone density test will let them know if they need to take medication for osteoporosis or simply make some changes in their life. Results of this test can show doctors which women need to start treatment and which women need to take preventive action.

The following can help prevent osteoporosis or bone fractures: take at least 1200 milligrams of calcium each day. Add vitamin D to your daily day. Exercise will help to build bone density along with helping the heart and building muscle. Women can protect themselves from osteoporosis by working out because it decreases the risk of fractures.

During childhood, girls begin building bones; bone development is very important during their young years. By the time she is a women in her forties, her bones have reached its maximum bone mass.

Women’s bone maintains its strength and quality through a process of bone formation and resorption called remodeling. New bone is formed and old, damaged bone is resorbed. Osteoporosis develops when there is less bone formed than bone resorption.

Women can incorporate preventive measures into their daily diet or routine to make a difference in how bone develops. Drink milk, take vitamins, get a good share of exercise, and consider kicking the smoking habit.