 |
You are still considered premenopausal
until your periods have stopped for 12 months in a row without
a medical reason. |
|
Menopause can happen naturally, commonly around
the age of 50. However, some women stop menstruating at an
earlier age (at age 45 or younger) or at a later age than usual. |
|
Osteoporosis can occur, although less frequently,
in the premenopausal years and may be related to family history,
medical conditions or the use of certain medications. |
|
Routine bone density testing of premenopausal
women is not recommended. However, if a premenopausal woman
has multiple fractures or a secondary cause of osteoporosis,
a medical professional may recommend a bone mineral density
(BMD) test. |
|
In general, a BMD test is recommended for
the following postmenopausal women:
- All women aged 65 or older regardless of risk factors;
- Women under age 65 who have one or more risk factors
for osteoporosis (other than race, gender and postmenopausal
status).
- Women who have a current and/or previous fracture with
minimal trauma (such as a fall from standing height)
- Women taking steroid medications for more than three
months
|
|
Osteoporosis commonly affects advanced seniors,
postmenopausal women, and individuals of Caucasian or Asian
decent. |
|
Once you know your personal risk factors for
osteoporosis, you can take actions to control the many risks
that can be changed. |
|
Lifestyle factors that can contribute to osteoporosis
include eating a poor diet especially if it is low in calcium
and vitamin D, getting too little physical activity, smoking
or using tobacco products, and drinking excessive alcoholic
beverages. |
|
If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis or
have significant risk factors for developing osteoporosis,
you may also need to take a medication to reduce bone loss
and /or prevent fractures. |
