Bone loss is a condition that develops slowly over many years. Many women are unaware that they have it until they fracture a bone. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, about half of all Americans could have weak bones as a result of bone loss by 2020. This leads to a disease known as osteoporosis.

Am I At Risk for Bone Loss?

There are a number of risk factors that may increase your chances of bone loss. Age is a common factor. The older you get, the greater your risk becomes. Women with a small frame and thin bones are also at a higher risk. Other risk factors include:

• Being an Asian or Caucasian woman
• Having a family history of osteoporosis
• Having a personal history of bone injury
• Poor diet that is lacking in calcium and vitamin D
• Living a sedentary lifestyle without exercise
• Taking medication like glucocorticoids
• Smoking

How to Prevent Bone Loss

The sooner you take steps to prevent bone loss, the better your chances of avoiding osteoporosis. Begin by living a healthy lifestyle with plenty of physical activity and a healthy diet. Adults up to age 50 should consume 1,000 mg of calcium each day. Adults over age 50 should increase to 1,200 mg.

Weight-bearing exercise is also good for bone growth. Recommended activities include stair climbing, jogging, and walking. A 30 minute workout each day can significantly lower your risk of osteoporosis. Contact your Women’s Health and Menopause Center gynecologist before starting an exercise routine, to learn more about how to prevent bone loss, and to see if it is time to have a bone density test.

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