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Bone Health

Women’s Health Menu
Call 314-205-6060 Schedule Appointment
Call 314-205-6060 Schedule Appointment

 

Lower Your Risk for Osteoporosis

Women are at particular risk for osteoporosis (a disease that causes weakening of the bones over time) as they age. In fact, according to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, about 80% of Americans with osteoporosis are women. And about half of all women over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

Although osteoporosis is more common in women, men also can develop the condition. Regardless of your sex or age, your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you've:

  • Lost height. People who have lost at least 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in height may have compression fractures in their spines, for which osteoporosis is one of the main causes.
  • Fractured a bone. Fragility fractures happen when a bone becomes so fragile that it breaks much more easily than expected, for example with a strong cough or sneeze.
  • Taken certain drugs. Long-term use of steroid medications, such as prednisone, interferes with the bone-rebuilding process.
  • Had a drop in hormone levels. In addition to the natural drop in hormones that occurs after menopause, women's estrogen may also drop during certain cancer treatments. Some treatments for prostate cancer reduce testosterone levels in men. Lowered sex hormone levels weaken bone.

The providers at St. Luke’s understand bone health. That’s why we work with you at every stage of life to help you keep your bones healthy and strong.

It’s important to build a strong foundation for your bone health early in life. A diet with foods that are high in calcium can help you build strong bones. These foods include:

  • Dairy products, such as skim milk, cheese and yogurt
  • Fish and seafood
  • Leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale and spinach
  • Certain foods fortified with calcium, such as almond milk, oat milk and some cereals

 

During pregnancy, talk to your OBGYN about your calcium intake levels. As your baby grows and develops, you may need a calcium supplement to avoid calcium loss.

As your estrogen levels decline during menopause, your risk for osteoporosis increases. Talk to your provider about whether you need osteoporosis screening, especially if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Make sure you take part in regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, running, yoga, etc.

Continue to talk with your provider about your diet and nutrient needs. As you age, you need more vitamin D and calcium to help replace lost bone tissue and avoid low bone density. We can provide medications to help slow your bone loss or help you build new bone tissue.

Certain medications can affect your bone metabolism. For example, the following medications can lead to bone loss:

  • Antidepressants
  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Cyclosporine (a medication that helps treat immune disorders and helps prevent rejection of transplanted organs)
  • Heparin and warfarin (anticoagulants, or blood thinners, that help prevent harmful blood clots)
  • Medroxyprogesterone acetate (a type of birth control medication)
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces)
  • Steroids (anti-inflammatory medications)
  • Thyroid hormone

If you take any of these medications, talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of bone loss, including changes to your diet and lifestyle, as well as supplements you can take.

Take the Next Steps

Schedule your bone density test.

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