More women than men will get osteoporosis, the disease that makes bones lose their density and become brittle and fragile. This is because as a woman ages and undergoes menopause, her hormonal levels fall fairly quickly. This leads to loss of bone mass. Hormonal changes, as well as deficiency of calcium or vitamin D, are factors that can lead to osteoporosis.
Dr Ann Tan, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist at Women & Fetal Centre, said declining estrogen levels as a result of menopause is behind the acceleration of bone loss in aging women.
However, this can also occur in younger women with eating disorders such as anorexia. Low Body weight in females can cause the body to stop producing estrogen. This results in a condition known as amenorrhoea, or absent menstrual periods.
Low estrogen levels contribute to significant losses in bone density.
Anorexia sufferers often produce excessive amounts of the adrenal hormone cortisol, which is known to trigger bone loss.
As for men, they do get it too. Andropause, the male counterpart of menopause, is responsible for the accelerated rate of bone loss as a result of lowered testosterone levels, said Dr Julinda Lee, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Pacific Health-care Specialist Centre. 
Thus, while osteoporosis is commonly associated with post-menopausal women above the age of 55, men should not think that they are in the clear.
Dr Tan said: ‘Men typically don’t think they will have this problem.
Young women who dismiss this possibility don’t realize that being too slim or malnourished lays a very poor foundation for bone health.
‘ To attain a good foundation for bone health, both men and women should participate in healthy weight-bearing activities particularly in their teens leading up to their 30s.
Weight-bearing exercises include brisk walking, dancing, weight-lifting and step aerobics. After all, bone mass is built up when one is young and likely to do more exercise.
Between the ages of 30 and 50, we must start to maintain our ‘bone stock’, said Dr Leslie Leong, a consultant orthopedic surgeon at Island Orthopedic Consultants.
He said: ‘It’s like growing a plant. After you nurture it to its full potential, you’ll have to nourish it.’ Dr Tan added that men and women should be conscious of the need to watch their general health through good diet and exercise.
As often as possible, instead of using the lift, take the stairs. Or take a longer route to the bus stop or train station, she suggested. An adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is also key to good bone health.
Dr Leong suggested that, instead of just depending on supplements, one should obtain calcium from foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt.
Vitamin D can be absorbed from exposure to the sun, so engaging in some outdoor activities is a good idea. He recommends about 10 to 20 minutes of exercise daily.
‘There’s no need for intense marathon training or hitting the squash court. Daily exercise is enough,’ said Dr Leong, He added: ‘Use your bones or lose them.’
by Alvin Lim
Source: The Straits Times
Related Articles:
- Beware of your chair - It’s killing you
- Six Basic Steps To Health And Longevity
- Why Weight Lifting Delivers Top Health Benefits
- Are you a Yin or Yang?
- Alkaline Water Improves Healths
- Dehydration - Your Body Cries for Water
- The Amazing Health Benefits of Alkaline Water
- Acid-Alkalinity Balance in the Body - Depending on Your Diet
- Too much drinking water can be fatal
- Anti-Stress Living Habits - Nine Secrets Of A Long Life
- Sleep Deprivation - Why some sleep better than others
- Yoga Breathing To Rejuvenate The Mind, Body, And Spirit
- Stress Reduction by Corporate Yoga
- Anxious about anxiety?
- Best that Nature Has to Offer - Gifts From GOD!
Leave a Reply