As May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, the team at Primary Care Walk-In Clinic wants to remind you about the importance of protecting your bone health after you transition into your postmenopausal years.
Our experienced medical providers offer several services, including hormone therapy, to support women facing menopause-related health challenges.
We can also provide the resources you need to protect your bones and lower your risk for chronic complications, including osteoporosis.
Menopause is the natural end of a woman’s childbearing years and their monthly period. In the months and years leading up to menopause, your body slows down its production of reproductive hormones like progesterone and estrogen.
It’s the loss of estrogen that influences your bone health. This hormone plays a role in keeping your bones strong and slowing the natural breakdown of bone. With less estrogen in your body, bone loss can speed up and increase your risk factors for weak bones and osteoporosis.
According to the Endocrine Society, one in two postmenopausal women will develop osteoporosis, a progressive condition that causes loss of bone density. As bones become porous, they are increasingly susceptible to fractures.
The good news is that you can treat osteoporosis at any stage, although early intervention is best. The even better news is that with proactive care, you can take the necessary steps to prevent osteoporosis from developing in the first place.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking supplemental hormones to replenish your estrogen levels that decline in menopause. HRT helps prevent osteoporosis complications by reducing increased bone turnover that occurs with an estrogen deficiency.
Treatment offers additional protection against osteoporosis-related bone fractures. Fractures in older women can be a significant source of pain and mobility challenges and can also lower your overall quality of life.
In addition to a customized HRT plan, our providers at Primary Care Walk-In Clinic can recommend lifestyle and diet changes that further enhance your bone health, such as:
Daily exercise can slow bone loss and enhance the strength of your bones.
Strength-training exercises can target the bones and soft tissues in your upper spine and arms. You can also add weight-bearing exercises like walking and stair climbing into your day to strengthen the bones in the lower half of your body.
Women aged 50 and up should get 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily from their diet.
Calcium-rich foods include leafy, dark green vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and calcium-fortified cereals. Add a supplement if you aren’t getting enough calcium from your diet.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and contributes to overall bone health.
You can increase your vitamin D intake by spending time in the sun each day and by eating foods like salmon and milk. If you lack vitamin D in your diet, add a supplement.
Call Primary Care Walk-In Clinic in Gilbert, Fountain Hills, or Scottsdale, Arizona, today to find out if you’re a candidate for hormone therapy or book an appointment online. You can also visit the clinic as a walk-in.
