Unfortunately, usually osteoporosis has no symptoms, so it isn t recognized until a fracture occurs. In those who have osteoporosis, an injury as minor as a bump or even lifting a bag of groceries may cause a fracture. As estrogen production declines, bone material is broken down faster than it is replaced. Bone loss is greatest during the first five years of menopause. Fractures of the hip and in other parts of the body also occur with osteoporosis.
Death is usually due to fat or blood clots originating at the site of the fracture.
These facts mean osteoporosis is something we all need to think about. Family and personal histories, as well as lifestyle factors, play a big role in osteoporosis. It s important for perimenopausal and menopausal women to be assessed for osteoporosis, especially as there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs. The image is compared with bone density in a young adult and an adult your own age. If DEXA shows an excessive rate of bone loss, your doctor will discuss treatments with you.