This kind of female friends need to pay attention! Check your bone mineral density regularly to prevent the invisible threat of osteoporosis

Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, is used to assess bone mineral density.

As we age, bone health is becoming more and more of a concern. As a common bone disease, osteoporosis often has no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but once a fracture occurs, it will have a serious impact on quality of life.

Perimenopausal women, while taking into account career and family, but also to build a solid line of defense for bone health. Today, let's talk about how perimenopausal women can keep their bones healthy through scientific management.

Perimenopause: A "watershed moment" for bone health

Perimenopause, that is, before and after menopause, is the "accelerated period" of bone loss in women. At this time, ovarian function gradually declines, and estrogen levels plummeet, and estrogen is the "patron saint" of bones, which can inhibit osteoclast activity and reduce bone loss. Once estrogen "retreats," bones are like walls that lose their protection and become fragile.

Be alert for the following signs:

Lower back pain after activity, height "shrinking", more than 3cm less than when young.

Humpback, broken bones after minor collisions, persistent rib pain after sneezing.

General fatigue and leg cramps at night may indicate calcium loss.

Long-term use of hormone drugs or diabetes, hyperthyroidism and other metabolic diseases.

Get a bone checkup

If the above situation occurs in perimenopausal women, it is recommended to conduct bone mineral density detection in time. Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, is used to assess bone mineral density. Using low doses of X-rays, the scanner can measure the strength of the bones and determine if there is osteoporosis or a risk of osteopenia.

What can bone density tests do

1. Detect early osteoporosis

Osteoporosis often has no obvious symptoms in its early stages, and bone density scans can help you spot bone problems early.

2. Assess fracture risk

Bone density scan results can predict the likelihood of future fractures and help you take preventive measures in time.

3. Monitor treatment outcomes

For patients who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, periodic bone density scans can assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust the treatment plan.

4. Applicable to a wide range of people

Postmenopausal women, people over the age of 50, people who take hormone drugs for a long time, and people with a family history of osteoporosis should have regular bone density tests.

Take a combination of measures to keep your bones healthy

1. Nutritional supplement: Calcium + vitamin D

Is a "golden partner" :

Calcium: daily intake of 1000-1300mg (after the age of 50 according to individual increments), preferred milk, soy products, green leafy vegetables, etc.

Vitamin D: Get 15 minutes of sunlight a day or supplement 800-1000IU of vitamin D to promote calcium absorption.

2. Exercise prescription: Let the bones "carry the weight"

Weight-bearing exercise: fast walking, skipping, dancing, etc., at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time.

Resistance training: exercise with dumbbells and elastic bands to enhance muscle strength and protect joints.

3. Lifestyle: Stop smoking and limit alcohol

Smoking will accelerate bone loss, excessive drinking (>2 cups per day) will weaken bone repair ability, need to quit smoking limit alcohol.

4. Medical intervention: "strengthen" bones if necessary

Anti-bone resorption drugs: bisphosphonates, desumab and other drugs can reduce bone loss.

Hormone replacement therapy: It is mainly used to relieve menopausal symptoms such as menstrual disorders, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, etc., as well as to prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. It is especially suitable for women with high risk factors of osteoporosis, early menopause and surgical menopause.

Special reminder

Perimenopausal women, especially those with a history of fracture or family inheritance, should pay special attention to bone health, and can actively self-manage through early screening and early prevention. Let's work together to protect bone health from the threat of osteoporosis.