My Journey to Understanding Osteoporosis

[janicedrew]

As someone who has become increasingly health-conscious over the years, bone health wasn’t always at the top of my list of concerns. Like many, I used to think that issues like osteoporosis only affected older people, but recent experiences have changed my perspective.

I first became more aware of bone health when a close family member, seemingly healthy, was diagnosed with osteoporosis after a minor fall led to a fractured wrist. It was a wake-up call that bone density can decline silently, with no obvious symptoms until an injury occurs. This made me realize how important it is to take proactive steps, regardless of age.

After doing my research, I learned that osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more prone to breaks, especially in areas like the spine, hips, and wrists. Women, particularly postmenopausal women, are at greater risk due to hormonal changes that affect calcium absorption. However, younger women can also be at risk if they don’t take care of their bones early on.

In light of this, I made some lifestyle changes to improve my bone health. I increased my intake of calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. Vitamin D is equally important because it helps the body absorb calcium, so I’ve made it a habit to spend more time outdoors and take supplements as needed. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, yoga, and strength training have also become a regular part of my routine, as they help to build and maintain bone density.

What surprised me most was that our bone health is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, and physical activity. Understanding this has motivated me to prioritize bone-strengthening habits early, not just for me but for my family as well.

For anyone who hasn’t given much thought to bone health yet, I encourage you to take action now. Whether it’s through diet, exercise, or a check-up with your healthcare provider, small steps can make a big difference in preventing osteoporosis down the road. I’d love to hear if anyone else has started making changes to support their bone health too!

[Capan24]

I had primary hyperparathyroidism in 2014 with the removal of two parathyroid glands related to adenomas. I was 54 then and had my first dexa scan because of the hyperparathyroidism which indicated osteopenia. Since I was postmenopausal, that also added to the impact on my bones. Every two years from then I started to still see a decline in bone health. At age 62 I had osteoporosis in my spine, and right hip. I decided I had to do a little bit more for my bone health. I was already taking citrical maximum Plus because I do not get enough dairy from my diet being vegetarian and not being able to eat dairy due to lactose intolerance. I added vitamin K2 100 micrograms daily to help get the calcium to the bones where it's needed. I lift weights three times a week, do yoga, walk with a weighted vest at times. I also have a mini trampoline that I use for cardio and vibration plate. My most recent dexa scan this past August showed stability in my bones, no decline. It also showed that my right hip went from osteoporosis to osteopenia. My left hip and spine also improved. The only place I have osteoporosis is in my spine, t-scores -2.5. From what I read bone remodeling happens slowly. I was happy with my improvement and will continue to keep up with my health plan. I'm 64 now and wish I would have thought more about bone health when I was younger. I really think that dexa scans should be done earlier on women as part of preventative health. You are right about small steps making a big difference. Good luck to you on your health journey and I hope you continue to improve.

[janicedrew in reply to Capan24]

Thank you for sharing your story and the detailed steps you've taken to improve your bone health. Your experience with hyperparathyroidism, osteopenia, and osteoporosis highlights the importance of proactive bone care, especially with age and post-menopause. It's inspiring to see how much consistency in supplements, exercise, and dietary adjustments can impact bone density positively. I'm motivated to implement small, sustainable changes as you have, and I agree on the value of early DEXA scans for preventive health. Wishing you continued stability and health improvements!

[Knittynatty]

It’s great that you are giving attention to your bones at such a young age. Don’t forget about HRT and the hugely important role it plays in maintaining bone density. Stupidly this fact seemed to pass me by and I was diagnosed with osteoporosis a few months ago age 62. I’m on HRT patches now but those 11 years of missed opportunity (my menopause was age 51) means a huge amount of bone loss and an awful lot of work to try and maintain what I have.

[janicedrew in reply to Knittynatty]

Thank you for your advice and encouragement! It's a great reminder about the role of HRT in bone health, which sometimes isn't emphasized enough. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis but inspired by your dedication to preserving your bone density now. I’ll definitely keep HRT in mind as I navigate my own bone health journey and continue researching options that may help over the long term. Wishing you all the best in maintaining and strengthening your bone health!