It does not discriminate. It affects all ethnic and racial groups. One in two women older than 60 has osteoporosis, but 21 million post-menopausal women have never been tested. Some women could lose up to 15 percent of their bone mass in the first five years of menopause. Smoking, excessive use of alcoholic beverages, lack of exercise, a family history, having a thin or small build, long-term use of steroids and inadequate calcium intake.
Bone loss can take place without any symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Painful and debilitating spinal fractures, which can gradually collapse bones in the spine and cause height loss, pain and a stooped posture. Latinas must consider the bone density test as important as mammograms and Pap tests, Moreno said. The effects of building up muscle mass are very significant in the sense that the more muscle you have, the more it helps prevent further bone loss. It's never late to start exercising. To help prevent osteoporosis, begin building strong bones at a young age.