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The effect of menopause on bone health: The importance of prevention and a healthy diet

Menopause is a natural process that all women go through, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. During this period, the female body goes through a series of hormonal changes that can affect health in different ways. One of the key areas that menopause can significantly affect is bone health.

How is menopause diagnosed?

Menopause is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and changes in the menstrual cycle, namely the following:

• Symptoms of menopause: Women going through menopause often experience various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, problems sleeping, and changes in libido. The presence of these symptoms can be an indicator that a woman is in the perimenopause or menopause phase.

• Changes in the menstrual cycle: Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman does not have a menstrual cycle for a period of 12 consecutive months. This is the most reliable sign that a woman has entered menopause.

• Laboratory tests: Your doctor may order laboratory tests to confirm menopause. For example, measuring the level of hormones such as estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can provide additional information about the hormonal balance and confirm that a woman is in menopause.

• Clinical assessment: The doctor will take into account all symptoms, the patient’s medical history, and test results to make a final diagnosis of menopause. In some cases, if there is any doubt or suspicion, the doctor may recommend additional examinations or a consultation with a reproductive health specialist.

How does menopause affect bone health?

Hormonal changes during menopause, especially a decrease in the estrogen level, can lead to bone mass loss and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition wherein bones become thinner, weaker, and more susceptible to fractures. This disease can be especially problematic in older women, as even minor falls or injuries may result in bone fractures.

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Bone quality tests in menopause

Whether menopause has affected the health and quality of bones is usually determined by a combination of medical examinations, laboratory tests, and diagnostic methods, as described below.

• Densitometry: Densitometry is a specialized radiological method used to measure bone density. This scan can help identify osteoporosis or osteopenia, conditions that are often associated with decreased bone density in menopause.

• Blood tests: Measuring the levels of certain markers in the blood can provide information on bone health. For example, high levels of alkaline phosphatase or osteocalcin may indicate increased activity of bone metabolism, while low levels of vitamin D may be associated with a decrease in bone strength.

• Clinical assessment: A doctor can make a clinical assessment of bone health based on the patient’s medical history, the symptoms that the patient is experiencing, laboratory test results, and other diagnostic methods. This includes a physical exam to identify signs of osteoporosis or other bone-related issues.

• Monitoring symptoms: In addition to testing objective parameters, monitoring symptoms such as bone pain, frequent fractures, or reduced mobility can also indicate bone health problems resulting from menopause.

• Assessment of risk factors: The doctor will also consider risk factors for osteoporosis and other bone-related issues, such as age, family history, lack of physical activity, poor dietary habits, smoking, and alcohol intake.

Why is bone health important during menopause?

Keeping your bones healthy during menopause is key to preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of bone fractures. Osteoporosis often develops without visible symptoms until a fracture occurs. This is why women need to be proactive in maintaining their bone health during menopause.

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How to maintain bone health during menopause?

• Balanced diet: A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is key to maintaining bone health. Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish are rich in calcium and vitamin D.

• Exercising: Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, or working out, can help strengthen bones and maintain bone density.

• Maintaining a healthy body weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight can reduce stress on bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

• Consulting a doctor: Regular checkups and consultations with a doctor can help monitor bone health during menopause. This provides the doctor with an opportunity to recommend additional preventive or therapeutic measures if needed.

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