Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones porous and fragile, increasing the risk of fractures. It progresses quietly, often until the first fracture. Particularly common after menopause, it is however not inevitable: prevention and monitoring allow you to protect your bone capital.
1. Why bones become weak after menopause
Bone is constantly renewing itself. Estrogens play a protective role in this balance. At menopause, their decline accelerates bone loss, which explains the greater frequency of osteoporosis in women after this stage.
2. A silent illness
Osteoporosis does not cause symptoms until a fracture occurs, often of the wrist, hip or vertebrae. This is why it is sometimes discovered late. A measurement of bone density (densitometry) may be offered depending on the risk factors.
| Risk factor | Role |
|---|---|
| Menopause | Bone loss accelerated |
| Family background | Predisposition |
| Tobacco, alcohol | Bone weakening |
| Sedentary lifestyle, deficiencies | Less strong bones |
3. Protect your bones
Prevention is based on several pillars: regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing (walking, strengthening), sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D, and stopping smoking. These measures help preserve bone strength.
- Practice heavy physical activity
- Ensure sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D
- Avoid tobacco and excess alcohol
- Prevent falls at home
4. Monitor and take charge
In the presence of risk factors, screening by densitometry and medical monitoring make it possible to assess bone strength and to offer treatment, if necessary. Preventing falls is also essential to avoid fractures.
Protecting your bones is an investment in future autonomy. It is never too early or too late to act, with the support of your doctor.
💡 tips to remember
- After menopause, the drop in estrogen accelerates bone loss: osteoporosis becomes more common.
- Osteoporosis is silent: it often only manifests itself at the time of a fracture (wrist, hip, vertebrae).
- Physical activity load, sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake and stopping smoking protect the bones.
- Densitometry may be suggested depending on risk factors to assess bone strength.
- Preventing falls at home is essential to avoid fractures: protecting your bones is an investment in autonomy.
